Biography

Doug English anchored one of the NFL's most feared defensive lines during the late 1970s and early 1980s, earning recognition as the heart of Detroit's legendary "Silver Rush" while establishing himself among the era's most dominant interior defenders. Born on August 25, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, English attended Bryan Adams High School before starring at the University of Texas. He helped the Longhorns to three Southwest Conference titles, earning two-time All-SWC honors (1973, 1974) and first-team All-American recognition in 1974 as a member of the Texas Cowboys. He graduated in 1976 with a history degree. Selected in the second round (38th overall) by the Detroit Lions in 1975, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound English formed the cornerstone of the "Silver Rush" defensive line alongside Al "Bubba" Baker, terrorizing quarterbacks and stuffing runners from 1978 through 1983. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive tackle took the 1980 season off due to chronic injuries but returned with a renewed appreciation for football and opportunities for community service. Over ten NFL seasons (1975-1979, 1981-1985), he accumulated 55.5 sacks (ninth on the Lions all-time list), earning four Pro Bowl selections (1978, 1981-1983) and two first-team All-Pro honors (1982, 1983). English's playing strengths defined elite interior line play: deceptive quickness for his size creating havoc in the backfields; dominant pass-rushing ability generating consistent quarterback pressure; equally adept at stopping the run; tenacious and opportunistic, making game-changing plays; inspirational leadership earning his teammates' respect. His greatest moments showcased his impact and versatility: the 1979 season, recording 122 tackles (90 solo) and 6.5 sacks, earning the team's Defensive MVP; his spectacular 1983 campaign, tallying 13 sacks and two safeties in a single season, becoming one of only 17 NFL players achieving this feat while helping the Lions win the NFC Central Division title before a heartbreaking 24-23 divisional playoff loss to San Francisco when Eddie Murray's 43-yard field goal sailed right in the final seconds; recording four career safeties, tying the NFL record with Ted Hendricks, Jared Allen, and Justin Houston; Thanksgiving 1978 when the Silver Rush dominated the defending AFC Champion Denver Broncos, manhandling pass protectors and tormenting quarterback Craig Morton. Following the 1985 season, a serious neck injury forced his retirement after being moved to nose tackle in a new 3-4 defensive alignment under coach Darryl Rogers. English became a co-owner with former SMU rival Louie Kelcher of the warehousing firm Pro Line Warehouse and Distribution. He serves as the President of the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, English was named to the Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team and All-Time Team.