100 Days, 100 Detroit Lions: #65 Augie Lio

In this edition of 100 Days, 100 Detroit Lions, we head back to the World War Two era to honor a multi-position performer who was a star in the NFL and All-America Football Conference (AAFC).

65. Augie Lio

Offensive Guard / Linebacker / Kicker. 1941-43 Detroit; 1944-45 Boston Redskins; 1946 Philadelphia Eagles; 1947 Baltimore Colts (AAFC)

One of the forgotten stars of the Lions’ 1940’s era, Augie, whose full name was Salvatore Augostino Lio, joined Detroit as their 1941 fourth-round selection. He twice earned All-American honors on the college gridiron at Georgetown University. The 6-foot, 234 pound Lio was a three-way performer for the Lions at guard, linebacker, and kicker. He intercepted 3 passes as a rookie linebacker, finished 12-for-13 on extra point attempts, and earned second-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press as a guard. He would claim another second-team AP selection at guard in 1943 with Detroit.

While Lio was great at converting extra points, making 38-of-41 tries as a Lion; he couldn’t claim nearly the same success with field goals, going 2-for-20 during his Lion career. His 41 career extra point attempts still place him ninth in team history.