Detroit Lions
1980 Season Recap

Teams Detroit Lions 1980 Season Recap

After their miserable season, the Lions select Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims with first pick in the NFL draft. In his first season Sims sets the NFL on its ear as rushes his way to the Offensive Rookie of the Year while carrying the Lions back to respectability. The Lions would improve to 9-7, and finish and miss out on a playoff birth and the NFC Central title by a tiebreaker against the Minnesota Vikings.

After their miserable season, the Lions select Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims with first pick in the NFL draft. In his first season Sims sets the NFL on its ear as rushes his way to the Offensive Rookie of the Year while carrying the Lions back to respectability. The Lions would improve to 9-7, and finish and miss out on a playoff birth and the NFC Central title by a tiebreaker against the Minnesota Vikings.

1980 Detroit Lions season

1980 Lions

1980 Detroit LionsLions

Missed Playoffs

9-7 (.563)

2nd place in NFL NFC Central

Head Coach

Monte Clark

General Manager

Russ Thomas

Team Owner

William Clay Ford Sr.

Stadium

Silverdome

Attendance

622,521 total
77,815 per game

1980 Draft Picks

Round Pick Player

1 1 Billy Sims RB

3 57 Tom Turnure C

3 62 Mike Friede WR

4 85 Eric Hipple QB

5 111 Mark Streeter DB

View All Lions Draft Picks

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Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Detroit Lions 1980 Season

F i l t e r & S o r t

Billy Sims: The Forgotten Legend | NFL Films Presents video clip

Billy Sims: The Forgotten Legend | NFL Films Presents

22 minutes 1980

Check out Billy Sims' amazing 5 year career as star running back with the Detroit...

1980 Detroit Lions Media Guidepublication

1980 Detroit Lions Media Guide

113 pages 1980

This media guide is a comprehensive resource created by the team to provide detailed information about its players, coaches, history,...