On October 4, 2024, Greg Landry, best known for his time as a quarterback and assistant coach with the Detroit Lions, died at the age of 77. His death brings a close to a prominent football career that spanned close to 20 years both on the field and on the sidelines.
Landry initially made a name for himself while playing for the University of Massachusetts (UMass), where he showcased his powerful throwing arm and running skills. While at UMass, he set a school record in 1965 with a 145.4 quarterback efficiency rating and helped lead the team to two Yankee Conference Championships. The UMass Athletics Department highlighted on its tribute page that he was the top rusher and point scorer for the team in 1965 and 1967.
Chosen as the 11th pick overall in the 1968 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Landry quickly demonstrated his talent. He played the majority of his career with the Lions, serving as the starting quarterback from 1968 to 1978. In 1971, Landry earned a spot in the Pro Bowl after throwing for 2,237 yards and 16 touchdowns. His rushing skills were also notable, tallying over 2,600 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns over his NFL career.
Following a 1979 trade, Landry spent three seasons with the Baltimore Colts. He also played in the United States Football League (USFL) for the Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers. He officially retired after a single emergency game with the Chicago Bears in 1984, concluding his playing career with 16,052 passing yards, 98 touchdowns, and 103 interceptions.
“We join the NFL community in mourning the loss of former Lions quarterback and coach Greg Landry,” the Lions stated on social media.
After his playing career, Landry transitioned into coaching, working with several NFL teams, including the Lions, Bears, and Browns, as well as serving as an offensive coordinator at the University of Illinois. His commitment to the sport made him a significant figure both on and off the field, as he coached some of the league’s top players until his final coaching role with the Lions in the mid-1990s.
Beyond his career statistics, Landry’s influence is still felt. He was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, solidifying his position among football’s unforgettable figures. Landry is remembered not only as a successful athlete but also as a respected mentor who had a lasting impact on those he coached.
