By Darin 
Before the era of specialized roles, one player dominated the field on both offense and defense, becoming a cornerstone of the Detroit Lions’ championship dynasty. From his days at Texas A&M to his 11-season tenure in the NFL, discover how Yale Lary earned his place in Canton, mastering the deep pass as a fierce safety and flipping field position as one of the greatest punters in pro football history.
Legendary
November 24, 1930 – Yale Larry, the safety from Texas A&M, was born. Yale was a fixture for 11 seasons at Safety for the Detroit Lions. Lary was a contributing factor in the three NFL Championships the Lions franchise won during his career. Besides his 50 career interceptions at Safety, Yale Lary was also a great punter for the Detroit squad, winning the NFL punting crown in three seasons and just missing out on a fourth title in an additional season.
His 44.3-yard average on over 500 punts makes him one of the best punters in pro history. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined the great Yale Lary in 1979.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- NFL Championships: 3 (1952, 1953, 1957)
- Pro Bowl Selections: 9
- First-team All-Pro Selections: 5
- Second-team All-Pro Selections: 4
- Career Interceptions (Safety): 50
- Career Punting Average: 44.3 yards (on over 500 punts)
- NFL Punting Crown Winner: 3 seasons (just missed a fourth title)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1979
Conclusion
A true testament to two-way excellence, Yale Lary’s legacy extends far beyond the stat sheet. He was the vital, versatile weapon that fueled the Detroit Lions’ glory years, simultaneously locking down opponents from the secondary and controlling the game’s flow with his powerful leg. His rare dominance in both the safety and punting roles solidifies his status not just as a Hall of Famer, but as one of the most uniquely accomplished players in the history of the sport.