Greg Landry was a quarterback for the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Colts, and Chicago Bears in the 1960s through ‘80s.
- Died: October 4, 2024 (Who else died on October 4?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 77.
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Greg Landry’s legacy
Landry played college football at the University of Massachusetts Amherst before being selected in the first round of the 1968 AFL/NFL Draft. Chosen by the Lions, he went on to play the bulk of his career with the Detroit team, sticking around for 11 seasons. He set franchise records, and in 1971, he was a Pro Bowl pick. It would be decades before another Lions quarterback went to the Pro Bowl.
After being benched by the Lions in 1977, Landry requested a trade to the Colts. He subsequently spent three seasons in Baltimore, setting a personal record in 1979 with 2,932 yards and 15 touchdowns. Later, he spent two seasons in the USFL, playing for the Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers, before returning briefly to the NFL as an emergency Chicago Bears quarterback for one game in 1984.
After retiring as a player, Landry pivoted to coaching. He largely worked in the NFL, coaching the Cleveland Browns as well as the Lions and the Bears. However, he also spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator at the University of Illinois. In later years, Landry returned to Detroit and worked as an account executive in manufacturing.
Notable quote
“I kept my nose pretty clean, and I was a good player that worked hard. I think the people in Detroit respect players that do that.” — from an interview with Jim Gehman
Tributes to Greg Landry
Full obituary: Detroit Free Press
