Honoring Greg Landry: Former Detroit Lions Quarterback and Coach Dies at 77

Friday, October 4th, 2024

Greg Landry, who was once the quarterback and an assistant coach for the Detroit Lions, has died at the age of 77.

The Lions reported his passing on Friday but did not reveal the cause of death. The team shared their sympathies and joined the NFL community in honoring Landry's memory.

Landry's NFL journey lasted from 1968 to 1981, during which he played for the Lions and the Baltimore Colts. He later spent time in the USFL before making a return to the NFL with the Chicago Bears.

During his career, he amassed 16,052 passing yards, threw 98 touchdowns, and had 103 interceptions. Known for his mobility, he also ran for over 2,600 yards and achieved 21 rushing touchdowns.

Landry was selected by the Lions in the 1968 NFL draft. Over his 11 seasons with Detroit, he achieved a record of 40-41-3, with his best performance in 1971, which earned him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

In 1976, he was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. After being traded to Baltimore, he played three seasons with the Colts and had brief stints in the USFL with the Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers.

In 1995, Landry returned to the Lions as the quarterbacks coach and also served as an assistant coach in Cleveland, Chicago, and at the University of Illinois.

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Landry excelled in both passing and rushing while at UMass and was inducted into the UMass Hall of Fame in 1980.

Related Links

• Detroit Lions News & Updates
• Detroit Lions Schedule & Scores
• NFL News