Dick "Night Train" Lane

Dick “Night Train” Lane, a defensive back in the National Football League for fourteen seasons, was born in Austin, Texas, and overcame a difficult early life to become a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1974^[1]. His career was marked by consistent All-Pro selections and an exceptional ability to intercept passes, earning him the nickname “Night Train” for his relentless pursuit of opponents^[2]. Lane’s story is one of resilience, rising from abandonment and poverty to achieve prominence in professional football.

History

Richard Lane’s early life was characterized by instability and hardship. Born on April 16, 1928, in Austin, Texas^[3], he was abandoned by his birth parents, a pimp known as “Texas Slim” and a prostitute named Ella Mae King, at just three months old^[4]. He was discovered in a dumpster by Ella Lane, a widowed woman who initially mistook his cries for those of a cat. Ella Lane adopted Richard and raised him alongside her own children, providing him with a stable home environment^[5]. This act of kindness fundamentally altered the course of his life.

Lane excelled in athletics while attending L.C. Anderson High School, Austin’s African American high school, graduating in 1947^[6]. He participated in track, basketball, and football, demonstrating a natural aptitude for sports. In 1944, he led his football team to a state championship within the Prairie View Interscholastic League, the governing body for intermural activities in Texas’s African American schools^[7]. Following high school, Lane briefly lived with his birth mother and her husband, working in their tavern before pursuing further education at Scottsbluff Junior College in Nebraska. He was the sole African American player on the football team at Scottsbluff.

Notable Residents

While Dick “Night Train” Lane did not spend a significant portion of his life residing in Detroit, his impact on the sport of football resonates within the city’s rich sporting history. Detroit, a city with a strong football tradition and a dedicated fanbase, recognizes and celebrates players who have achieved greatness in the NFL. Lane’s accomplishments, including seven Pro Bowl selections and 68 career interceptions^[8], are acknowledged by football enthusiasts in Detroit.

The city’s appreciation for defensive prowess, particularly among cornerbacks and safeties, aligns with Lane’s playing style. Detroit has a history of fielding strong defensive teams, and Lane’s aggressive and impactful approach to the game would be admired by fans familiar with the city’s defensive legends. Though he played primarily for teams based on the West Coast and in the East, his legacy extends across the nation, including to cities like Detroit where football is deeply ingrained in the culture. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame further solidifies his status as a notable figure in the sport, recognized and respected by fans everywhere.

Getting There

Richard Lane’s journey to professional football was unconventional. After a brief stint at Scottsbluff Junior College, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Ord in California^[9]. He continued to play football while serving, earning Second Team All-Army honors in 1949 and First Team All-Army recognition in 1951. Following his discharge in 1952, Lane worked in a Los Angeles plant manufacturing airplanes, a job he found physically demanding and unfulfilling^[10].

Driven by a desire for a more engaging career, Lane boldly walked into the offices of the Los Angeles Rams, armed only with a scrapbook containing press clippings from his high school, college, and Army football experiences^[11]. Despite having limited formal playing experience, he successfully secured a contract with the Rams, a testament to his self-belief and athletic ability. This unconventional entry into the NFL marked the beginning of a remarkable career. He was seeking “a good job” and found it in professional football.

Culture

Dick Lane’s nickname, “Night Train,” originated during his time with the Los Angeles Rams and reflected his aggressive and intimidating style of play^[12]. The moniker was given to him by a teammate who observed his relentless pursuit of ball carriers, comparing it to the speed and unstoppable force of a night train. This nickname became synonymous with his reputation as a hard-hitting and fearless defensive back. Lane embraced the name, and it became an integral part of his identity both on and off the field.

Lane’s approach to the game was characterized by a physical and aggressive style. He famously stated his objective was to prevent opponents from gaining any additional yardage, even if it meant delivering a forceful hit^[13]. He consistently earned All-NFL honors over his career, from 1954 through 1963, demonstrating his sustained excellence and impact on the game. He was named to seven Pro Bowls, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defensive players.

History

Notable Residents

Getting There

Culture

See Also