Statement from Lions President Tom Lewand: "The Detroit Lions and the William Clay Ford family congratulate Dick LeBeau on being selected for enshrinement into Pro Football Hall Fame. As one of the NFL’s all-time great cornerbacks, this recognition is extremely well deserved.
“Few players in Lions’ history were as productive and durable as Dick was during his 14-year career. Not only was he a critical piece of several outstanding defenses during his career, but he also played the game with tremendous class and dignity. In 1970, Dick eclipsed the franchise’s all-time record with a remarkable 62 career interceptions, a mark that still stands after almost 40 years.
“Dick was a special player, and he now joins 17 players in Lions’ history to bestowed this great honor.”
When it comes to picks by Lions defenders, cornerback Dick LeBeau stands on top in Lions history. From 1959-72, LeBeau, who was well-known for his ability to anticipate and break on the ball, recorded 62 interceptions for 762 yards and three touchdowns. His 62 picks are the most by a player in franchise history, and they are tied for eighth all-time in NFL history. At the time of his retirement following the 1972 season, LeBeau was ranked third all-time in career interceptions. His 762 interception return yards rank third all-time in team history.
During the 12-year span from 1960-71, LeBeau (62) had more interceptions than any player in the NFL. He was the only player to average more than five interceptions per season over that span, and he had at least three interceptions in each of those 12 seasons. LeBeau is one of only six players (one of two cornerbacks) in league history to intercept 60 passes (averaging five per season) over a 12-year period.
LeBeau was not only productive in picking off opponent passers, but he was one of the most durable players in team history. From 1959-72, he played in 185 games which is fourth all-time in team history, and he is third all-time for the most seasons played (14). With 171 straight games, LeBeau holds the NFL record for consecutive games played (all starts) by a cornerback, and he holds the Lions franchise record with 171 consecutive starts.
During his career, he earned three trips to the Pro Bowl from 1965-67.
LeBeau was a key cog in one of the Lions’ greatest eras of defense during the team’s 76 seasons in Detroit. From 1961-70, the Lions ranked first in total defense twice (1962 and 1965), as well as second (1969-70), third (1961 and 1967), fourth (1968) and fifth (1964). In nine of those 10 seasons, the Lions were ranked in the Top 5 in total defense.
In 1970, LeBeau established a career-high nine interceptions, which are tied for sixth on the team’s all-time single-season interceptions list, and he was a major defensive contributor to the Lions finishing with a 10-4 record that season. His nine interceptions were second in the league (first in NFC). The Lions finished second in the NFC Central and earned a berth in the playoffs for the first time since 1957 (13 years). LeBeau helped lead the Lions defense that ranked second in the NFL in total defense (246.3 yards per game) and second in scoring defense (14.4 points per game).
LeBeau was acquired by the Lions as a free agent after being released by Cleveland in training camp prior to his rookie season. LeBeau was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 1959 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. While in college, he was a member of the Buckeyes 1956 National Championship team.
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