Sports
Yale Lary
1930–2017 · American football safety, punter and return specialist
Hall of Fame safety and one of the greatest punters in NFL history, who played eleven seasons for the Lions and won three championships.
- Born
Fort Worth, Texas- Died
Fort Worth, Texas
aged 86- Birth name
- Robert Yale Lary Sr.
- Detroit years
- 1952–1953, 1956–1964
- Field
- Sports
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
The Lions drafted Lary out of Texas A&M in 1952, and he spent his whole NFL career in Detroit, interrupted only by two years of military service in 1954 and 1955. As a rookie he joined the defensive backfield nicknamed "Chris's Crew" after Jack Christiansen, and over the years he played beside Hall of Famers Night Train Lane and Dick LeBeau in one of the most feared secondaries in the league, with Joe Schmidt behind the line. His 50 interceptions rank third in Lions history. He was also the team's punter, leading the NFL in punting average three times, and he returned punts for touchdowns. Lary won NFL titles with Detroit in 1952, 1953 and 1957 and made nine Pro Bowls. While still playing he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He entered the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Highlights
- NFL champion with the Lions in 1952, 1953 and 1957
- 50 career interceptions, third in Lions history
- Led the NFL in punting average three times
- Nine Pro Bowls; NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1979
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Played here · 1952–1964
Tiger Stadium
Demolished · 1912–1999
The Lions' home throughout his career; demolished in 2008–2009.