In this edition of 100 Days, 100 Detroit Lions, we pay tribue to one of the most underrated offensive lineman in Lions history.
46. Charlie Ane
Offensive Tackle / Center. 1953-59 Detroit
The Lions 1953 draft remains one of the best in league history. Detroit harvested seven players that year that would go on to help them win World Championships in 1953 and 1957, as well as the 1954 Western Division title. One of those seven players was the 6-foot-2, 260 pound Ane, who was the Lions’ fourth-round pick out of the University of Southern California. Charlie, a native of Hawaii, would back up veteran center Vince Banonis in 1953 and move to the starting right tackle spot in 1954. Ane combined his above average size for the era, with incredible quickness and athleticism. Charlie’s long-time Lion roommate Lou Creekmur said his former teammate, “possessed more natural athletic ability than anyone he ever knew.”
Charlie’s abilities made him a versatile weapon for Lion head coach Buddy Parker. He had the ability to play any position in the offensive line. As a result, Lion skippers Parker and George Wilson would rotate Charlie between the center and right tackle spots throughout his career. Charlie would earn All-Pro honors at center in 1956, and play in the 1957 and ‘59 Pro Bowls.
