By Darin 🏈 The “Smiling Assassin” of the Motor City
In the golden era of Detroit football, one man stood as the impenetrable shield for Hall of Famers Bobby Layne and Doak Walker. Lou Creekmur, born in Hopelawn, New Jersey, was the personification of “old-school” toughness. Known as the “Smiling Assassin” for his polite demeanor off the field and his punishing elbows on it, Creekmur was the ultimate iron man. He famously played 165 consecutive games, often through gruesome injuries like a crushed sternum and dislocated shoulders, all while refusing to wear a facemask for much of his career. On this day, January 22, we celebrate the birth of the cornerstone of the Lions’ 1950s dynasty.
Football Bio
January 22, 1927 – Hopelawn, New Jersey – Lou Creekmur, the outstanding offensive lineman from William and Mary, was born. Creekmur was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1950 and anchored their line for 10 seasons, helping the team win three NFL Championships. In 1996, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
A Decade of Dominance in Detroit
Lou Creekmur was a rare breed of athlete who possessed both the brute strength to move defensive tackles and the nimble feet to lead out on sweeps. His versatility was his trademark; he earned All-Pro honors at both offensive guard and offensive tackle, often shifting positions mid-season to help the team. His presence was the “secret sauce” behind the Lions’ three World Championships in 1952, 1953, and 1957.
Creekmur’s longevity was as impressive as his skill. During his ten-year tenure, he missed virtually no time, participating in every preseason, regular-season, and postseason game for nearly a decade. Even after a brief retirement in 1958, his loyalty to the franchise was so strong that he returned to the field in 1959 at the team’s request to help stabilize a struggling line. When he finally hung up his cleats, he did so as one of the most decorated and respected linemen in the history of the sport.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 1996)
- 3-time NFL Champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 8-time Pro Bowl Selection (1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957)
- 6-time First-Team All-Pro (1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1957)
- Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner (1949 – Southern Conference)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1989)
- National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)
- 165 Consecutive Games Played Streak
- Pride of the Lions (Detroit Lions Ring of Honor)
