It’s a sad day in the Lions den, as one of the prideful members of the Detroit Lions family has passed away. Greg Landry, a longtime Lions quarterback and then coach, died at age 77.
Landry was Detroit’s first-round pick in 1968 and played with the Lions for a decade. After splitting starting duties with Bill Munson for a few seasons, Landry took over as the full-time starter in 1971 and made his only Pro Bowl in 1972. Landry earned the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 1976 after injuries had derailed his career.
After hanging up his cleats following a stint in the original USFL, Landry moved into coaching. He was the Lions’ QB coach in 1995 and 1996.
For fans of a certain age, and I’m of that age, Landry was the first quarterback for the Lions that we knew. Our condolences to Landry’s loved ones and former teammates.
