Robert Lawrence (Bobby) Layne

Robert Lawrence “Bobby” Layne

University of Texas Football, Baseball Player (1944 - 1947)
Detroit Lions Player (1950 - 1958)

Bobby Layne was born in Santa Anna, Texas and at a young age moved to Fort Worth leading Highland Park High School to a state title while earning All-State honors. Layne attended the University of Texas where he earned All-Conference honors four years as a quarterback, twice being named an All-American. Layne was just as successful a baseball player also earning four All-Conference honors. He still holds numerous University and Conference baseball and football records. He was the number three overall draft choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1948 NFL Draft but was traded to the Chicago Bears then went on to the New York Bulldogs of the All-American Football Conference. In 1950, Layne was traded to the Lions starting a successful run for both Layne and the Lions. Over the next eight seasons the Lions won three NFL Championships with Lane as their quarterback. Layne was traded to the Steelers for another five seasons. In all, Layne was named a six-time Pro Bowler, a three-time First-team All-Pro and named to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. Bobby Layne was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968, the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1967, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1960, and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1966. He passed away on December 1, 1986 at 59 years of age.