Sports
Doak Walker
1927–1998 · American football halfback and kicker
Heisman Trophy winner who starred for the Lions' 1952 and 1953 champions and retired at 28; his No. 37 was retired in 1955.
- Born
Dallas, Texas- Died
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
aged 71- Birth name
- Ewell Doak Walker II
- Also known as
- The Doaker
- Detroit years
- 1950–1955
- Field
- Sports
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Walker won the 1948 Heisman Trophy at Southern Methodist, and the Lions acquired his rights from Boston before the 1950 season. In Detroit he rejoined Bobby Layne, his teammate at Highland Park High School in Dallas, and the two Texans became the heart of the best Lions teams in history. Small for a pro halfback, Walker could run, catch, pass, kick field goals and extra points and return kicks, and he led the NFL in scoring as a rookie in 1950 and again in 1955. He helped Detroit win championships in 1952 and 1953 and was named to five Pro Bowls. On December 11, 1955, the day of his last regular-season game, the Lions held Doak Walker Day at Briggs Stadium, presented him with an engraved silver football and retired his No. 37. He left the game at 28 to run business interests in Texas.
Highlights
- 1948 Heisman Trophy winner
- NFL champion with the Lions in 1952 and 1953
- Led the NFL in scoring in 1950 and 1955
- No. 37 retired on Doak Walker Day, December 11, 1955
- Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1986
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Played here · 1950–1955
Tiger Stadium site (Briggs Stadium)
Demolished · 1912–1999
The Lions' home, where Doak Walker Day was held in December 1955; demolished in 2008–2009.