Doug English

Doug English anchored one of the NFLs most feared defensive lines during the late 1970s and early 1980s earning recognition as the heart of Detroits legendary Silver Rush while establishing himself among the eras most dominant interior defenders Born on August 25 1953 in Dallas Texas English attended Bryan Adams High School before starring at the University of Texas He helped the Longhorns to three Southwest Conference titles earning twotime AllSWC honors 1973 1974 and firstteam AllAmerican recognition in 1974 as a member of the Texas Cowboys He graduated in 1976 with a history degree Selected in the second round 38th overall by the Detroit Lions in 1975 the 6foot5 255pound English formed the cornerstone of the Silver Rush defensive line alongside Al Bubba Baker terrorizing quarterbacks and stuffing runners from 1978 through 1983 The 6foot5 255pound defensive tackle took the 1980 season off due to chronic injuries but returned with a renewed appreciation for football and opportunities for community service Over ten NFL seasons 19751979 19811985 he accumulated 555 sacks ninth on the Lions alltime list earning four Pro Bowl selections 1978 19811983 and two firstteam AllPro honors 1982 1983 Englishs playing strengths defined elite interior line play deceptive quickness for his size creating havoc in the backfields dominant passrushing ability generating consistent quarterback pressure equally adept at stopping the run tenacious and opportunistic making gamechanging plays inspirational leadership earning his teammates respect His greatest moments showcased his impact and versatility the 1979 season recording 122 tackles 90 solo and 65 sacks earning the teams Defensive MVP his spectacular 1983 campaign tallying 13 sacks and two safeties in a single season becoming one of only 17 NFL players achieving this feat while helping the Lions win the NFC Central Division title before a heartbreaking 2423 divisional playoff loss to San Francisco when Eddie Murrays 43yard field goal sailed right in the final seconds recording four career safeties tying the NFL record with Ted Hendricks Jared Allen and Justin Houston Thanksgiving 1978 when the Silver Rush dominated the defending AFC Champion Denver Broncos manhandling pass protectors and tormenting quarterback Craig Morton Following the 1985 season a serious neck injury forced his retirement after being moved to nose tackle in a new 34 defensive alignment under coach Darryl Rogers English became a coowner with former SMU rival Louie Kelcher of the warehousing firm Pro Line Warehouse and Distribution He serves as the President of the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 English was named to the Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team and AllTime Team