By Darin 
How does an undrafted army veteran walk into an NFL office and become the most feared defensive back in history? Night Train Lane didn’t wait for a scout to find him; he found the game. With a physical style that forced the league to rewrite its rulebook and a nose for the football that led to a rookie record of 14 interceptions—a mark that still stands today—Lane was the ultimate predatory corner. From his legendary “Night Train Necktie” tackles to his Hall of Fame induction, this is the story of the man who turned the defensive backfield into a no-fly zone.
Football Bio
April 16, 1928 – The legendary defensive back of the LA Rams and the Detroit Lions, Dick “Night Train” Lane, was born.
When Dick had finished serving his country and got stateside in 1952, he walked into the Rams front offices, according to his bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to see if he could try out for the team. The Rams were the defending champs, and Lane wanted to play receiver, but the tandem of Crazy Legs Hirsch and Tom Fears were the starters, so finding playing time at that position did not bode well for Lane.
Dick and Tom Fears hit it off as friends, and Tom, at that point, would play the song “Night Train” over and over on his record player when Dick would visit. At one point, another teammate walked into the room, heard the music, spotted Lane, and said, “Hey, there’s Night Train!” and the nickname stuck like glue! Coach Joe Stydahar eventually moved Night Train to the defensive side of the ball, and he excelled in his inaugural NFL season. Lane set the League on fire as the Rookie picked off 14 passes in 12 games and rocked just about every ball carrier he saw with viscous tackles.
After six seasons with the Rams, Dick was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he played his best football. Night Train Lane was named to the first or second team All-NFL every year from 1954 through 1963. Named to seven Pro Bowls, Night Train intercepted 68 passes for 1,207 yards and five touchdowns during his Hall of Fame career. At the 1974 ceremonies in Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Night Train Lane.
Conclusion
The career of Dick “Night Train” Lane is the definitive underdog story of professional football. He possessed a rare combination of 6’1″ size, track-star speed, and a terrifyingly physical approach to tackling that revolutionized the cornerback position. While his 14 interceptions in a single 12-game season remain one of the most unbreakable records in sports, his true legacy is defined by the respect (and fear) he commanded from every receiver who lined up across from him. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974, Lane remains the gold standard for defensive backs, proving that a “walk-on” spirit can lead all the way to immortality in Canton.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1974.
- NFL All-Time Interception Record (Single Season): 14 interceptions in 1952 (Set in only 12 games).
- 7× Pro Bowl Selection: 1954–1956, 1958, 1960–1962.
- 10× All-Pro Selection: Named 1st or 2nd team All-NFL every year from 1954 through 1963.
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team: Honored as one of the greatest players in league history.
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team: Recognized as a foundational legend of the sport.
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team: Selected as a premier defensive back of the era.
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team: Member of the Pride of the Lions.
- Career Interceptions: 68 (Ranked 4th all-time at the time of his retirement).
- Defensive Scoring: Recorded 5 career interception return touchdowns and 1 safety.
