The Detroit Lions and Heisman Heroes: A Match Made in...Well, Not Quite Heaven
The Detroit Lions. A team steeped in tradition, with a passionate fanbase...and a whole lot of "almosts." But here's one thing you can't deny: the Lions have a fascination with Heisman Trophy winners. That shiny statue seems to shimmer brighter for them than for most NFL franchises.
How Many Heisman Trophy Winners Have Played For The Detroit Lions |
Drafted Like Diamonds, Shined Like...Well, Sometimes Like Cubic Zirconia
Believe it or not, the Detroit Lions hold the NFL record for drafting the most Heisman Trophy winners. Ten total! Names like Barry Sanders (the greatest running back ever, no debate!), Billy Sims, and Reggie Bush all donned the Honolulu blue.
Now, here's the funny part. While some of these Heisman heroes became Lions legends (we see you, Barry!), others...well, let's just say they didn't quite live up to the hype. Maybe the expectations were a little too much, maybe the Motor City just wasn't their kind of town. Whatever the reason, some of those draft picks left fans scratching their heads wondering, "Is this the guy who won the Heisman?!"
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A Love Affair Built to Last? (Spoiler Alert: Not Really)
So, what's the deal with the Lions and Heisman winners? Did they have a secret decoder ring to predict future college stars? Nope. Turns out, in the early days of the NFL, the Lions were just really aggressive in the draft, grabbing top talent wherever they could find it. Heisman winners just happened to be part of the package.
These days, the Lions seem to have cooled off on the Heisman love affair. Their last Heisman pick was Andre Ware in 1990, and well...let's just move on.
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But hey, even if the results haven't always been there, you gotta admire the Lions' audacity! Who else can say they went all-in on college football's brightest stars, hoping to light up the NFL?
So, the next time someone mentions the Detroit Lions, remember: they may not always win, but they sure do love a Heisman Trophy winner. Maybe a little too much.
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H�ufig Gestellte Fragen (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to draft a Heisman Trophy winner? Easy! Just become the General Manager of the Detroit Lions (circa 1950).
How to guarantee a Super Bowl with a Heisman winner? Unfortunately, there's no magic formula. Just ask Lions fans.
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How to deal with the disappointment of a Heisman who doesn't pan out? Develop a strong sense of humor. You'll need it as a Lions fan.
How many Heisman winners have played for the Lions? A cool ten!
How many Super Bowls have the Lions won with those Heisman winners? Zero. But hey, they came close a few times...right? Right...?