100 Days, 100 Detroit Lions: #74 Larry Hand

n today’s edition of 100 Days, 100 Detroit Lions, we honor a defensive lineman who spent his entire 12-year career with the Lions playing in both Tiger Stadium and the Silverdome.

74. Larry Hand

Defensive End / Defensive Tackle. 1965-77 Detroit

Larry Hand was a tenth-round futures choice for the Lions in 1964 out of tiny Appalachian State. He would back up veteran defensive end Sam Williams in 1965. With Williams’ retirement the following season, Hand would move into the starting right defensive end spot, remaining there until moving inside to tackle in 1975.

Larry would earn a reputation as a big-play performer in 1967 when he intercepted two passes, returning them both for scores. Over the course of his career he would pick off 5 passes, returning them for a total of 110 yards and 3 touchdowns. In 1970, his 67-yard interception return for a score against the Cleveland Browns was one of the many highlights in a season that would see the Lions earn their first playoff appearance since 1957.

Larry would play in 164 games for the Lions over his 13-year career, tying him with Lomas Brown for tenth-place in franchise history. His teammates would vote him their defensive MVP in 1972.