Raymond Klein (Buddy) Parker

Raymond Klein “Buddy” Parker

Detroit Lions Player (1935 – 1936)
Detroit Lions Coach (1951 - 1956)

Buddy Parker was born in Slaton, Texas and grew up playing football in Kemp, Texas, enrolling in Centenary College where he played football for three seasons. Parker then went on to sign with the Detroit Lions playing for two seasons helping the Lions capture the 1935 NFL Championship before moving on to the Chicago Cardinals for seven seasons. Parker then went on to a coaching career first with the Cardinals in 1949 before moving on to the Detroit Lions for six seasons where he won two NFL Championships (1952, 1953). He ended his coaching career with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1957 – 1964. Buddy Parker spent 15 years as a head coach, but is best remembered for his 47 - 23 - 2 record with the Lions from 1951 to 1956.  Buddy Parker was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. He passed away on March 22, 1982 at 68 years of age.