Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Here's a piece of trivia I just came across while researching in a 1977 newspaper.

The Detroit Lions are one of the members of the NFC North Division (formerly NFC Central)
often referred to as the Black and Blue Division.
But did you know that two of their 1977 draftees were named Black and Blue?
4th round - Luther Blue, wide receiver from Iowa State played for the 1977 Lions and was in the NFL from 1977-80
7th round - Tim Black, linebacker from Baylor, played 4 games for the 1977 Cardinals.

I always thought it was quite appropriate when Chris Berman referred to the NFC Central as the NFC Norris Division. Except for Tampa Bay, it was old school, smash mouth football whenever they met.

John Grasso wrote: The Detroit Lions are one of the members of the NFC North Division (formerly NFC Central)
often referred to as the Black and Blue Division.
But did you know that two of their 1977 draftees were named Black and Blue?
4th round - Luther Blue, wide receiver from Iowa State played for the 1977 Lions and was in the NFL from 1977-80
7th round - Tim Black, linebacker from Baylor, played 4 games for the 1977 Cardinals.

That little bit of information is so trivial and obscure as to be a delight only to such
devoted football nerds as ourselves.
Thanks, John. That brought a smile to my face and made my day.

Rupert Patrick wrote:I always thought it was quite appropriate when Chris Berman referred to the NFC Central as the NFC Norris Division. Except for Tampa Bay, it was old school, smash mouth football whenever they met.

The Lions also have former tight end Ulysses Norris.

Not quite as interesting, but in 1993 and 1994, the New York Jets had safety Victor Green and guard Dwayne White on their roster.

Lions also had punter Mike Black in 1983-86.

Of course, the Browns have had their share of Brown's--including arguably the two most important people in franchise history.

And more's the pity that New England and not Atlanta took lineman Terry Falcon in the 1978 draft.