Detroit Lions Hall of Fame offensive lineman Lou Creekmur has died, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Creekmur was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996 after spearheading the Lions’ offensive line on three NFL championship squads between 1950 and 1959. He was 82.
Per the report, Creekmur passed in a Florida hospital.
Named to the Lions’ All-75th anniversary team last season, Creekmur played left offensive guard and tackle for Detroit.
“Lou always will be remembered as one of the true standout players in Lions’ history,” team president Tom Lewand said in a statement. “Offensive linemen often don’t get the credit they deserve and, until his induction into the Hall of Fame, that certainly was the case with Lou.
“If you look at the number of All-NFL and Pro Bowls teams he was selected to and at the success of the Lions’ teams when he played, you know that Lou was one of the all-time great linemen in NFL history.”
We extend our condolences to Creekmur’s family.
