The city of Detroit is home to and has seen more that its fair share of great athletes come through its professional sports teams. Here are the best athletes the city has produced:
5) WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
One of the greatest running backs to have grace the NFL with his presence, Sanders' career was a highlight reel full of an insane selection of breathtaking cuts and dips through opposing defenses. He retired while the iron was hot, and we still haven't see another halfback who has dropped as many jaws as Sanders did in his heyday.
4) PG Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons
Isiah Thomas is one of the best point guards in NBA history, leading the "Bad Boy" Pistons to NBA titles in 1989 and 1990 and making 12 All-Star teams over the course of his career.
3) Ty Cobb, Detroit Tigers
Cobb is one of - if not the best - hitter in MLB history, being a 12-time AL batting champ and holding the MLB record with a .367 career batting average. He played for Detroit for 22 seasons, and was on the MLB all-century team.
2) Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings
Howe appeared in 23 NHL All-Star games, won four Stanley Cups, and an inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972, but what really made him a legend was playing well past his 40’s on a level that most players half his age could only dream of.
He played his final season with the Detroit Red Wings at age 51, and played in all 80 regular season games and scored fifteen goals while leading Detroit to the playoffs.
1) RB Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions
One of the greatest running backs to have grace the NFL with his presence, Sanders' career was a highlight reel full of an insane selection of breathtaking cuts and dips through opposing defenses. He retired while the iron was hot, and we still haven't see another halfback who has dropped as many jaws as Sanders did in his heyday.
Back to the Detroit Lions Newsfeed