Night Train Lane
Lions Legend (1952-54) · 1952–1954
Lane's elite Peak Dominance (95) and elite Playmaking (95) define this era.
Scouting Report
Position ratings · 0-99 scale · Based on career data
Trophy Case
1954, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
7 selections — dominant in the league's early decades
1956, 1960, 1962
3 selections — the man who set the single-season INT record (14)
1952
Set the rookie INT record (14) in 1952 — still stands
Signature Moments
14 Interceptions as a Rookie — The Unbreakable Record
Dick "Night Train" Lane intercepted 14 passes in his rookie season — a record that has stood for over 70 years and may never be broken. He did it in a 12-game season. In today's 17-game season, nobody comes close. He was an undrafted walk-on who became the most prolific ball hawk in a single season.
Fourteen interceptions in 12 games. As a rookie. As a walk-on. The most unbreakable single-season record in NFL history.
The Night Train Necktie — The Most Feared Tackle
Lane invented the "Night Train Necktie" — a clothesline tackle where he would grab receivers around the neck and slam them to the ground. It was so violent the NFL eventually banned it. He played in an era without facemasks, when football was closer to bare-knuckle combat.
They named a tackle after him. Then they banned it because it was too violent. Night Train Lane played football like it was warfare.
Career Numbers
Career INTs
4th all-time
68
INT Return TDs
5
INT Return Yards
1207
Fumble Recoveries
10
Pro Bowl Selections
7
Games Played
14 seasons
157
Single-Season INTs
1952 rookie season — NFL record (still stands)
14
Season Stats · Lions Legend (1952-54)
Engine Attributes
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