On October 4, 2024, the football world lost a legend. Former Detroit Lions quarterback and assistant coach, Greg Landry, died at the age of 77, marking the conclusion of a football career that spanned nearly 20 years in both playing and coaching roles.
Landry first garnered attention during his time at the University of Massachusetts (UMass), where he demonstrated his exceptional quarterback skills with a strong throwing arm and potent running ability. Achievements from his time at UMass include a record 145.4 quarterback efficiency rating in 1965 and two Yankee Conference Championships. According to the UMass Athletics Department, Landry topped the team in rushing and scoring in 1965 and 1967.
The Detroit Lions chose Landry as the 11th overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft. He quickly proved his worth, with the Lions being his home team from 1968 to 1978. Landry’s stellar performance in 1971 when he threw for 2,237 yards and 16 touchdowns earned him a Pro Bowl selection. Apart from his throwing skills, Landry was known for his rushing capabilities, acquiring over 2,600 yards and contributing 21 rushing touchdowns in his NFL career.
Landry’s career continued after he was traded in 1979 and spent three seasons with the Baltimore Colts. He later played in the United States Football League (USFL) with the Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers. Landry retired in 1984 following a single emergency game for the Chicago Bears in Illinois, ending his playing career with 16,052 passing yards, 98 touchdowns, and 103 interceptions.
On social media, the Lions acknowledged Landry’s passing, expressing their condolences to the NFL community.
Landry didn’t hang up his boots after retirement, instead transitioning into a coaching role. He worked with various NFL teams, including the Lions, Bears, and Browns, and also served as an offensive coordinator at the University of Illinois. His dedication to the sport made him an influential figure in football, mentoring some of the league’s top players until his final coaching stint with the Lions in the mid-1990s.
Beyond his impressive statistics, Landry’s legacy is cemented by his induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. More than just a skilled athlete, Landry is remembered as a respected mentor whose influence continues to impact those he coached.
