Detroit Lions cards

Ray Oldham's 1981 card says he "is an owner of a chemical plant."

Levi Johnson, Detroit's third-round draft choice of 1973 out of Texas A&I, "led the Lions with 5 interceptions in each of his first two seasons," says his 1975 card. "He started his rookie season as free safety but was switched to corner after first two games. Had 22 interceptions at Texas A&I."

Luther Bradley's 1980 card calls him "one of the NFC's best defensive backs," and his 1981 card says he's an off-season stockbroker.

Gary Danielson's 1979 card says he "became Lions' starting quarterback in 1978 and turned in admirable job throughout campaign. He led club to a 13-10 upset win against Colts during 1977. Gary holds for the Lions' placekicks." His 1981 card says that Danielson "once worked on an assembly line."

Tom Skladany did not play in 1977 after the Browns made the former Ohio State star their second-round draft choice that spring. He was traded to the Lions in 1978. "One of the finest punters and placekickers ever to come out of the collegiate ranks, Tom led the NFC in punting last season," says his All-Pro 1979 card. "He's a 3-time All-America selection and holder of every major kicking record at Ohio State. Had 59-yard field goal. Tom's father and 3 uncles also played in the NFL." Skladany’s 1981 card: “His punts at Ohio State were called ‘Beer Can’ or ‘Non-Returnable’ by Buckeye Coach Woody Hayes. Tom played in 3 Rose Bowls.”

Ed Murray’s 1981 card points out that he was named MVP of the 1981 Pro Bowl.

“Stan (White) has a law practice during the off-season,” says his 1981 card. “Stan helps Lions with experience and savvy.”

David Hill's 1980 card says Detroit's second-round draft choice out of Texas A&I in 1976 had become the Lions' all-time leader in receptions by a tight end through four seasons. "Once worked as a television camerman" says his 1981 card.

Greg Landry completed his first six passes as a pro, says his 1975 card.

After training-camp knee surgery limited his play as a rookie in 1974, Dexter Bussey led the Lions in rushing in 1975 and was named the team's most valuable offensive player, says his 1977 card.

Horace King carried the ball a Lions-record 32 times in a game against the Patriots in 1976, says his 1978 card.

Steve Owens in 1971 became the first Lion to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

Leonard Thompson, an eighth-round draft choice out of Oklahoma State in 1975, played wide receiver, running back and special teams for the Lions, says his 1978 card. His 1981 card says the Lions utilize Thompson as "shuttle receiver, bringing plays from bench."

Howard Payne went 10-1-1 during Ken Sanders's senior 1971 season. He was the Lions' third-round draft choice in 1972, and he started every regular-season game on the Detroit defensive line from 1973 through '78, according to his 1979 card.

Doug English--a three-time Southwest Conference champion at Texas--was active in the NFL Players Association, according to his 1978 card.

Jim Laslavic "follows Detroit tradition of having Pennsylvanians at middle linebacker spot, his predecessors being Mike Lucci and Joe Schmidt in recent years," says Laslavic's 1977 card.

James "Hound" Hunter became a starter in his first season after Detroit made him a first-round draft choice out of Grambling in 1976. In his first game in the first unit, against Seattle, he scored on a 70-yard return. Later that season, against New England, he returned an interception 76 yards for a score. He finished with a team-high seven interceptions, according to his 1978 card.

Joe Reed "became the Lions' starting quarterback in 1975 after injuries to Greg Landry & Bill Munson. ... Hobby is singing," says his 1976 card.

Al "Bubba" Baker's 1981 card chronicles his last four sack totals: an NFL-high 18 in 1980, 16 in 1979, 23 as a rookie in 1978 and 20 as a senior at Colorado State in 1977. "His personal high was 5 quarterback sacks in a game vs. Buccaneers in 1978. Al was selected as NFL's Defensive Lineman of Year for 1978."

Dave Pureifory's 1982 card: "Dave enjoyed perhaps his finest season in 1980 when he was selected as Lions' Most Valuable Defensive Player by his teammates ... He's been a regular performer since joining the Lions midway through 1978."

Jim Allen's nickname is "Spiderman," says his 1981 card.

Ken Fantetti's 1981 card: "Ken once made 22 tackles in a game at Wyoming. Known as a 'deluxe hitter' when he was drafted by the Lions, Ken has shown dramatic improvement with added experience. At Wyoming he was voted the Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in senior season."

Freddie Scott--enrolled in medical school, according to his 1979 card--joined the Detroit Lions in a May 1, 1978, trade with Baltimore for Herb Orvis. He was the Lions' choice for offensive MVP in 1979, says his 1981 card.

"Billy enjoys fixing cars in his spare time," says Billy Sims's 1981 card.

Rick Kane's 1982 card points out that, with 1,144 yards in 1975, he became San Diego State's first 1,000-yard rusher.