Jack Christiansen

Jack Christiansen (John Leroy Christiansen) was a defensive back and punt/kick returner for the Detroit  Lions.  Jack played in 1951 - 1958. In college Jack did not play football instead played on a track team at Colorado State. When he was a sophomore he decided to play football. On his very first game he was amazing. He was 6-1 and 162 pounds which made people doubt that he would make it to the NFL.
 But the Detroit Lions didn't because in 1951 the Lions drafted him.

   In his rookie season as punt returner he had 343 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a defensive back he had 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and 105 yards. He took the Lions to 3 World Championships. Jack went to 5 pro bowls out of 8 seasons. Soon the Lions defensive backfield was known as the "Chris Crew" because of Jacks defensive skill and his last name. In 1953 Jack had 12 interceptions. Jack was born in 1928 and died in 1986. He was inducted into the pro football hall of fame in 1970.