The Most HEROIC Game in Detroit Lions HISTORY | Gary Danielson

In a 1980 NFL game between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, Lions starting quarterback Gary Danielson, who was starting after missing all of the 1979 season due to injury, decided to play in the game despite losing his nine-day old daughter less than 72 hours before the game. What followed was the best game of his career. This is the story behind the most heroic and inspiring game in the history of the Lions
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Gary Danielson is an American college football commentator and former professional American football player. Danielson was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Detroit Lions from 1976 to 1984 and for the Cleveland Browns in 1985, 1987, and 1988. He is currently working for CBS Sports as a commentator for its college football coverage and previously held the same position for ABC Sports
Danielson played high school football at Divine Child High School under Tony Versaci in Dearborn, Michigan, and graduated from the school in 1969. He played college football at Purdue University and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in industrial management. He would later earn a Master's degree in physical education in 1976. Danielson had succeeded Mike Phipps as the Boilermakers' starting quarterback in 1970 and had 30 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions with a 46 percent completion rate in two full seasons as a starter.
Danielson spent two years in the short-lived World Football League as a non-starter, with the New York Stars/Charlotte Hornets in 1974 and the Chicago Winds in 1975. The Winds franchise folded a month before the league's collapse in October, and Danielson signed with the Lions for the 1976 season.
He amassed 13,764 passing yards and 81 touchdowns in 101 games in the NFL. He ranks fourth in Lions history in passing yards and touchdowns. His five touchdowns in a 1978 game against the Minnesota Vikings is still tied for a Lions record.
Gary Danielson played for the following teams:
1976 Lions
1977 Lions
1978 Lions
1979 Lions
1980 Lions
1981 Lions
1982 Lions
1983 Lions
1984 Browns
1985 Browns
1986 Browns
1987 Browns
Members of the 1980 Lions when Gary Danielson played this game:
Eric Hipple
Jeff Komlo
Dexter Bussey
Ken Callicutt
Rich Kane
Horace King
Bo Robinson
Billy Sims
Ken Talton
John Arnold
Freddie Scott
Leonard Thompson
Jesse Thompson
Ray Williams
David Hill
Ulysses Norris
Karl Baldischwiler
Russ Bolinger
Chris Dieterich
Keith Dorney
Homer Elias
Amos Fowler
Tommie Ginn
Burton Lawless
Willie Parker
Tom Turnure
Mike Whited
Al Baker
William Gay
Leon Hayes
Mike McCoy
John Mendenhall
Dave Pureifory
Tom Tuinei
Garry Cobb
Eddie Cole
Ken Fantetti
Derrel Luce
Dave Simmons
Charlie Weaver
Stan White
Jimmy Allen
Luther Bradley
James Hunter
Eddie Lewis
Prentice McCray
Ray Oldham
Wayne Smith
Walt Williams
Eddie Murray
Tom Skladany
Doug English
James Harrell
DeWayne Jett
John Woodcock

[@benjamin1383]

His daughter would be so very proud of him to play that game and she would be smiling from heaven

[@SteelerFanInRI]

I'll be honest, I got a little misty-eyed during this one; stories like this really get me. To turn such unfathomable pain into an inspired performance is an amazing feat of strength and resilience, and nobody can ever take that away from Danielson.

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

No one talked about this in 1980. Danielsons pep talk to his wife we gotta live for the two children we have is inspirational as hell

[@nasetvideos]

Absolutely one of the most heroic games in NFL history, let alone Lions' history. I have absolutely no idea how he played that game. What an incredible story of strength. I can't even imagine doing what he did. This might be the best of all the human interest stories you've ever done. Incredible show of courage and perseverance by Danielson through the most difficult and traumatic of situations

[@anthonybrooks5040]

I never knew about this. Most of us could not begin to imagine what Gary Danielson and his wife had to endure at that time. No matter what you may think about Danielson's current work at analyzing games, he was every bit inspirational and tough back in September 1980 to go out and perform with such a huge and heavy heart.

[@Staceyatkinson4496]

To play the game whilst in the midst of such adversity, respect Gary

[@Tdull-tv1ds]

They said Brett Favre had an angel on his shoulder during the game against Oakland well Gary Danielson must’ve had one as well on his in that game because that was a heroic performance on his part and after hearing his story I could care less if he’s not in the Hall of Fame. His performance that day deserves a lot of respect because I don’t know anyone else who could perform at a high level after going through a tragedy like that. It takes something special to overcome adversity.

[@Lawomenshoops]

That TD pass VS the Bears was in front of the guy Buddy Ryan named his defense after #46 Doug Plank!

[@ppj0241]

I was at that game at County Stadium. There was no way the Packers were going to stop Gary and Billy Sims. Sims was a beast, it would have been nice to see him go his whole career without that knee injury. Might have been the best.

[@wesleyantrim6648]

It’s so bizarre seeing the Packers playing at county stadium. I’ve lived in Dallas for the last 40 years, but my wife and I traveled to Lambeau about 5 years ago to see the Cowboys play the Packers. The fact that the Packers willingly chose to play half their home games in Milwaukee just blows my mind, cause Lambeau was by far the best football experience I’ve ever had.

[@TommyRibs]

I am an amateur Football Historian like many viewers of this channel. I never knew this story. Ultimate respect to Gary.

[@PredatorKingdom]

This was right after the Billy Sims rookie performance in Anaheim the week before against the Rams and then this game in Milwaukee a very heroic effort.

[@JoshuaKimbrough]

This same situation happened to soccer player Billy Sharp. His son died and he scored a goal and revealed a shirt saying "that's for you son"

[@mikepastor.k6233]

About that 1979 pre season game. Gary got hurt in the 4th pre season game in a down rainstorm. Monte Clark decided to leave him in all the way into the 4th quarter when he wrenched his knee. I guess back then it was normal but can you imagine that happening today. The Lions went 2-14 that season so it was another in the Lion's lore of ineptitude.

[@bens5661]

Amazing choice of music

[@67marlins81]

Wow...I never knew. Thanks for posting.

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

Gary needed to play it was probably the best thing for him and his family

[@Lawomenshoops]

If you want to get technical, in 1980 the Lions traveled to Anaheim to play the LA Rams in their first ever game at Anaheim Stadium!!

[@anthony0358]

wow I had forgotten about this, and now we see Gary on CBS Sports doing the SEC game of the week, thank you for doing the video

[@denisceballos9745]

Good recap of the Lions in the late 70s and 80s. In ‘79, not only was Gary Danielson out for the entire season, backup Joe Reed, was injured as well, and missed the bulk of that year. That left it up to 3rd string QB, Jeff Komlo, who had a checkered career (and even more checkered post career), and the unfortunate Lions ended up going 2-14.

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

It’s amazing how good billy sims was

[@littleblackduck3134]

Can you think of a more Underrated NFL player?

[@vulrare]

Unfortunately Sim's nfl career was ended after five seasons because of a horrible knee injury in 1985.He tried to make a comeback a few years later but that didn't work out.Sad, because he had the potential to be a Hall of Famer.Seems like the Lions are a snake bitten franchise.

[@pronkb000]

I wonder if modern medicine would have saved Sims' career. He was before my time, but was his injury worse than Willis McGahee's? He ended up having a productive career despite having his leg annihilated in his last college game.

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

@@pronkb000 modern medicine probably would have saved his career and a modern barber would have trimmed his Angela Davis like fro which made him look homeless or a third member of one of the wwwf wild Samoans

[@littleblackduck3134]

@@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879 😅 Affa, Sika and Billy

[@andrewdunn49ers]

Wow I never heard this story. Inspirational!

[@littleblackduck3134]

Ya Damn right, I will give this video a like. Excellent research and production. you do a great job of bringing obscure NFL stories to us, ( NFL Films quality) . I'm a fan of "FPV" but after watching your videos for the last 2 months I think your ready for a Shot at the Title...Thank you and keep up the good work

[@Atomykpimp]

This story was absolutely heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time. I can’t imagine his mind set being out there. Was a little misty eyed watching this. Great video. Thank you for sharing!

[@astrostar49]

Great story. Thanks for sharing it. I also appreciate that you were cognizant enough to have the appropriate music played throughout the duration of the video.

[@t-squared6406]

didn't watch video,reminds me of when Torrey Smith lost his brother or Brett Favre lost his dad,I thought the Raiders had a chance until I heard that news!!!

[@levikatriel]

You made a video about how the lions got sims. I thought you would link it in the upper right corner

[@billslocum9819]

That might have been hard to pull off given the emotional arc of this video, even with the quote from Sims at the end.

[@CTubeMan]

To put it simply, great video.

[@benjamin1383]

I love this channel

[@justinmix143]

My pop always said Danielson actually really had talent, and (brace for the shock) if the Lions could’ve put a team around him, he prolly woulda made the Pro Bowl damn near every year. Danielson was a native Detroiter, born & bred; went to high school in Dearborn. And Detroit loved him. GOD I hope this same old-same old, unending torture saga since the 60s (since Ford ownership) is being shattered by Dan Campbell. Lord knows he’s prolly workin on it as I write this. Thing is, way more than any other regime-goin back to an including Wayne Fontes-I seriously actually believe in Shiela Ford & Dan Campbell like nobody else the last 35 yrs. I just truly feel in my bones they’re gonna break this cursed cycle. Man. I love the Lions so much. Make all the cracks you want, but F U if you can’t understand & respect having hometown team loyalty and pride no matter what. If you don’t stick by your team through bad AND good, matter how much goddamn bad, You shouldn’t get to share in the joy and spoils of when it finally all comes together. That’s how we roll in Motown, and that’s why it’s going to be so much sweeter than anything ever when they finally bring home a Super Bowl. We love our Pistons, Tigers, Wings, and (ironically, maybe especially) Lions. Whether we’re in the championship hunt, or scraping the bottom of the barrel. We’re fuckin loyal if nothing else. The Motor City’s the verge of a dynasty as good as our teams in the 50’s. We’ve watched all three of our other teams have championship dynasties since then, more than once (besides the Wings, who never stopped being good until just recently, & basically just fielded a goddamn All-Star team for 25 straight years). It’s the Lions turn now. Get up for it Motown, the tide is turning. I feel it. Let’s go BOOOOOYS!!!!!!! 🦁

[@teen_laqueefa]

Respect from Cincinnati, love to see this kind of loyal fan shit... Who Dey til I die!!!

[@justinmix143]

@@teen_laqueefa congrats on yer playoff win

[@teen_laqueefa]

@@justinmix143 I'm still high as a kite, just so proud of this year, WHO DEY!!! I'm not ashamed to say I cried a little Saturday night

[@justinmix143]

@@teen_laqueefa no shame bro. I’d probably break down sobbing like a lil bitch at totally random times for days after

[@cannotwaittoseedavanteadam4301]

I couldn’t even imagine being a functional adult only 72 hours after losing my newborn daughter. Even now, same if I lost my 17 year old daughter.

[@scottconner7930]

41 Years Ago

[@ThankGodImBlack370]

Happens a lot. I remember a linebacker for Dallas had eleven solo.tackles.after.his Dad died. Eleven tackles is one thing, but solo ..

[@evincasey6656]

That's deep as fuck. The Lions got off to a hot start in 1980, then Spider-Man Allen comes out with a great song and the Lions tumbled. I'd love to see a video about that or Lomas Brown's guarantee in 1995

[@Lawomenshoops]

It was a different time. This is a different sport but in 1978 Lyman Bostock was murdered and less than 12 hours later his Angels teammates played a game vs the White Sox!

[@deathtowrestling2518]

That was just a shame. Had quite a bit of promise too.

[@t-squared6406]

@@deathtowrestling2518 he was a real up and comer!!

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

Your best find and vid.

[@ijnhespam5918]

He was a good quarterback. We were in the QB wilderness until Rodney Peete

[@cdjhyoung]

Gary Danielson. personality wise, had a very similar impact on the city of Detroit as Mathew Stafford would have decades alter. They didn't have the same skills as players, but their community involvement was similar, and more importantly, came from a very sincere wish to give back to this community.

[@russelljohnson7067]

This was the first time that I heard about Danielson's daughter

[@astrostar49]

Didn't Ravens kick returner Jermaine Lewis have an inspiring game shortly after his child died?

[@t-squared6406]

how about when Torrey Smith lost his brother!

[@ryanc.51]

These belong on nfl network

[@richardadams4928]

Slightly odd that your final shot at the end is Jeff Komlo, #19, not Danielson (#16). A very good video and a worthwhile salute to an amazing performance. I've always thought Danielson was underrated, he was a very good QB for the Lions, following in the footsteps of the also underrated Greg Landry. If you ever played the old Sports Illustrated home NFL licensed football game, Landry was damned near unstoppable on the QB draw on third downs. I mean, Tecmo Bowl Bo Jackson level unstoppable.

[@JeffCirillo]

In fairness, heroic performances in Detroit Lions history are in short supply.

[@jamespgray6928]

5 years later, Danielson was almost killed by Wilbur Marshall.

[@jerbrew701]

I think it was Joe Ferguson.

[@jamespgray6928]

@@jerbrew701 I just checked. You are correct.

[@diaz5292]

Billy Sims was truly great. They made the correct pick, taking him instead of Charles White.

[@jewsco]

Such a shame he got hurt

[@Lawomenshoops]

True but the hindsight question is, should the Lions have drafted Anthony Munoz, one of the best OT ever? He was taken 3rd overall. Of course the Jets took Johnny Lame Jones with the 2nd overall pick.

[@jewsco]

@@Lawomenshoops maybe or maybe he gets hurt in Detroit too we will never know

[@diaz5292]

@@Lawomenshoops idk. We'll never know. But Sims was great. He could do it all. Really an electrifying runner. But ya Munoz was a great lineman. So, idk. Maybe in an alternate dimension Detroit took Munoz and if we ever get transported there, we can report back how that worked out. Of course knowing my luck, in that dimension giant crab creatures will rule the earth, so I'll have to put up with that...lol

[@Lawomenshoops]

@@diaz5292 Well Munoz only played two or three games his senior year. So there were questions about him leading to the draft. If the Lions did take him, then the question is who is he blocking for? They would have needed to draft a running back in the next couple years

[@dezznutz3743]

I didnt know this about Danielson, a belated RIP as I would have been about to turn 2 in October of that year...anyways, an infant dying after 9 days is most likely due to SIDS. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Still now, 40 years later, not enough is known as to why it occurs.

[@tookmyjob]

Didn’t Matt Bryant lose a child and kick a game winning FG in Tampa?

[@williamgullett5911]

I was at that game

[@zombiebats52]

Can we Talk about how Bernie Kosar was statistically better in every category than John Elway and played in 2 less games and didn’t win the mvp?

[@SteelerFanInRI]

I have to figure everyone would have looked at Kosar differently if he had beaten Elway just once in the playoffs (even though the losses were clearly not his fault).

[@zombiebats52]

@@SteelerFanInRI true!

[@AceBG27]

I always thought Danielson was the Lions best quarterback in the era between Landry and Stafford. It’s too bad he got hurt and didn’t have the career he might have had.

[@c.h.175]

This game isnt talked about because....well...the media tends to just dump on the Lions. Unless its historically good. Its not going to get talked about. (to be fair, Lions management and coaching don't help much with their buffoonery)

[@dezznutz3743]

Im done with the NFL...these corporations are NOT the friends of independent creators. In fact, they fear your voice.

[@fackudumbas491]

Imagine if Alabama Crimson Tide was the one that died that day.....

[@tlpnlxz]

If Danielson's or Eddie Murray's daughter would have died before the 1983 playoff game against the 49ers, Lions win since those 2 bums lost it.

[@richardsiemion5903]

I’m a die hard lions fan but damn … you just typed that for the world to see. 😳

[@charismatic9904]

This isn't all that. I continued to work (own my business) and attend school (pursuing a masters) the same week my wife and son were killed.

[@chadwickwhite6107]

HERE'S a FATHER who EITHER could PUSH PAIN AWAY WELL or didn't give a DAMN about his daughter. Don't know WHICH. EITHER WAY Gary Danielson was WORSE than a 39.6 and should have just SPIKED the football into the ground on EVERY single OFFENSIVE play!!!!