Doak Walker
Inducted:
1986
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
173 lb (78 kg)
Born:
January 1, 1927
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Died:
September 27, 1998
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, U.S.
Position:
Halfback
Kicker
College:
SMU (1945; 1947–1949)
Doak Walker was one of the most versatile and electrifying players of the 1950s, known for his ability to impact the game as a runner, receiver, kicker, and returner. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1950, he immediately became a key figure in the team’s success, helping lead Detroit to NFL Championships in 1952 and 1953. Walker’s speed, balance, and football intelligence made him a threat from anywhere on the field.
Despite playing only six seasons, he earned Pro Bowl honors every year and became one of the league’s most efficient scorers. His reliability in big moments and his dynamic skill set turned the Lions into one of the decade’s premier teams. Walker’s influence extended beyond statistics—he helped popularize the modern multipurpose back.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, he remains one of Detroit’s most beloved stars and a symbol of all-around excellence.
Walker's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1952, 1953)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1950, 1951, 1953, 1954)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1950, 1951, 1953–1955)
- 2× NFL scoring leader (1950, 1955)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Detroit Lions No. 37 retired
Notable Achievements
- One of the NFL’s premier all-purpose players of the 1950s
- Led the league in scoring twice
- Key offensive force in Detroit’s back-to-back championships
NFL Teams
Detroit Lions (1950–1955)
NFL Draft:
1949: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
Boston Yanks
Number Worn:
37
NFL Stats
Seasons:
6 (1950–1955)
Games Played:
67
Game Started:
61
Rushing yards:
1,520
Rushing average:
4.9
Rushing touchdowns:
12
Receptions:
152
Receiving yards:
2,539
Receiving touchdowns:
21
Points scored:
534