The Detroit Lions, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the NFL, have had a rich history of quarterbacks, each contributing to the team’s evolution and record-breaking seasons. The franchise, founded in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans, has undergone many transformations and faced numerous challenges, but the Lions have consistently been home to many talented players. One of the most important and often most scrutinized positions on the team is quarterback, as they play a pivotal role in both the offensive system and the overall success of the franchise. The All-Time Passing Leaderboard for the Detroit Lions reflects the legacy of these quarterbacks, showcasing those who have made the most significant contributions to the team’s passing game.
Early Years of the Lions Quarterback Position
The Lions’ history with quarterbacks dates back to their early years, when they were still known as the Portsmouth Spartans. In their first few seasons, the team was primarily known for its solid defense and running game, rather than its passing attack. However, as the game evolved and the forward pass became more prominent, so did the need for skilled quarterbacks.
In the early years of the franchise, the Lions were relatively inconsistent at the quarterback position, with no clear star emerging. However, as time went on, more quarterbacks began to make their mark, setting the stage for future greats.
The Era of Bobby Layne: The First True Star Quarterback
One of the most significant figures in Detroit Lions history is Bobby Layne, a Hall of Famer who defined the quarterback position for the team during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Layne played for the Lions from 1950 to 1958, leading the team to three NFL Championships in 1952, 1953, and 1957. His toughness, leadership, and clutch performances made him the face of the franchise for nearly a decade.
Layne’s influence on the franchise was undeniable. During his time in Detroit, he accumulated 15,000+ passing yards and 100+ touchdowns, numbers that were considered remarkable for his era. Although the NFL had a much different style of play back then, Layne’s legacy remains etched in the history of the Lions as the first true star quarterback. His ability to command the offense and lead the Lions to multiple championships set a high bar for future quarterbacks.
The Post-Layne Years: Searching for Stability
After Bobby Layne was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958, the Lions went through a period of instability at quarterback. The team struggled to find a permanent starter for the next several decades, with several quarterbacks coming and going without leaving a lasting impact.
During this period, players like Milt Plum, Greg Landry, and Gary Danielson tried to fill the void left by Layne, but none were able to replicate the level of success Layne achieved. The team’s passing attack was inconsistent, and the Lions’ offense had trouble keeping up with the explosive offenses of the league.
Despite the challenges, these quarterbacks laid the groundwork for the future and kept the Lions competitive during a difficult era. Still, the franchise was left longing for another quarterback to lead them to greatness.
The Rise of Eric Kramer: A Glimmer of Hope
In the 1990s, Eric Kramer emerged as a bright spot for the Lions’ offense. A capable and efficient quarterback, Kramer led the team to the playoffs in the 1991 season and posted some of the best passing numbers in franchise history at the time. His 1991 season, in which he passed for 3,000+ yards and 19 touchdowns, is one of the most impressive of his career.
Although Kramer did not lead the Lions to the Super Bowl, he provided stability at the quarterback position and played an instrumental role in the team’s offensive success during the early 1990s. His play helped elevate the Lions’ passing game to new heights, especially during an era when the team was primarily known for its strong defense and running game.
Kramer finished his career with the Lions as one of the franchise’s top quarterbacks. His contributions to the team during the 1990s helped the Lions remain relevant in the NFC, even though they were still searching for their first Super Bowl appearance.
The Lions and the Drafting of Matthew Stafford
The turning point in the Lions’ quarterback history came in 2009, when the team selected Matthew Stafford as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Stafford was heralded as a generational talent and was expected to bring stability to the position for years to come. He had a rocket arm and the ability to make every throw on the field. However, it took some time for Stafford and the Lions to find their rhythm.
In his rookie season, Stafford showed flashes of his immense talent, but the team struggled with consistency and suffered through some growing pains. Over time, however, Stafford began to grow into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. He established a strong connection with wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and the two formed one of the most dangerous duos in NFL history.
Stafford’s ability to put up big passing numbers was undeniable. In 2011, he set the franchise record for passing yards in a season with 5,038 yards. He also posted one of the best touchdown-to-interception ratios in the league, which helped elevate the Lions’ passing game to new heights. Stafford’s leadership on the field was instrumental in the Lions’ return to the playoffs in 2011, their first playoff appearance since 1999.
By the time he left Detroit in 2021, Stafford had become the franchise’s all-time passing leader in several key categories, including career passing yards, completions, and touchdowns. His tenure with the Lions marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise, one where the passing game became a central focus.
The All-Time Passing Leaderboard: Matthew Stafford’s Legacy
Matthew Stafford finished his career with the Detroit Lions as the team’s all-time passing leader in several important categories. His total of 45,109 passing yards, 282 touchdowns, and 144 interceptions made him the top quarterback in franchise history. Stafford’s 10 years with the team saw him play through a variety of struggles, including injuries and a lack of consistent success in the postseason, but his individual performance elevated the Lions to new heights.
Stafford’s legacy is marked by his impressive statistics and his leadership on the field. Despite not winning a Super Bowl with the Lions, he is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history. He played in 12 seasons with the Lions, breaking multiple franchise records along the way.
He is also the most prolific passer in Lions’ history, holding numerous single-season and career records, including:
- Most career passing yards: 45,109 yards
- Most career touchdown passes: 282 touchdowns
- Most career completions: 3,898 completions
- Most career attempts: 6,224 attempts
- Most 4th-quarter comebacks: 31
Stafford’s ability to bring the team back in the fourth quarter, earning numerous game-winning drives and comebacks, cemented his place as one of the franchise’s greatest quarterbacks. His statistics speak for themselves, and his influence on the team during his time with the Lions is unquestionable.
The Quest for the Future: Will the Lions Find Their Next Star Quarterback?
As of 2025, the Lions are once again in search of a long-term solution at quarterback. After trading Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, the Lions have turned to young quarterbacks like Jared Goff to help lead the team into a new era. While Goff has shown flashes of potential and has helped bring the Lions back into playoff contention, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to match Stafford’s level of success over the long term.
The franchise is committed to finding the right quarterback to lead them into the future, whether through continued development of Goff or by selecting another quarterback through the draft. The hope is that the next star quarterback will be able to follow in the footsteps of the greats who have come before, from Bobby Layne to Matthew Stafford.
