Allen Park — Former Detroit Lions player and coach Buddy Parker is on the cusp of enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after he was selected by the Hall's Senior Committee on Wednesday as the lone finalist from a group of 12 semifinalists in the coach and contributor category.
Parker played with the Lions his first two seasons, 1935-36, winning an NFL Championship in 1935. He was traded after the 1936 season to the Chicago Cardinals, where he played seven more years before transitioning into coaching.
Working as a position coach, Parker was promoted to Detroit's head job in 1951.