Michael Gene (Mike) Lucci

Michael Gene (Mike) Lucci

Detroit Lions Player (1965 - 1973)

Mike Lucci was born in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. After a successful collegiate career at both the University of Tennessee and the University of Pittsburgh, Lucci was selected in the fifth round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Lucci played three seasons with the Browns winning an NFL Championship in 1964 and was sent to the Lions through a series of trades before the start of the 1965 season. Over the next nine seasons, Lucci was a stalwart of the Lions defense being named the Lions defensive MVP from 1969 to 1971. He earned All-NFL in 1969, NFC All-Conference in 1970 to 1971 as well as being named to the Pro Bowl after the 1971 season. Mike Lucci was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. Mike Lucci passed away on October 26, 2021 at 81 years of age.