Night Train Lane

Night Train Lane

Night Train Lane, born Richard Lane, was an American football player who played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1950s and 1960s. He is widely considered as one of the best defensive backs in NFL history, known for his exceptional speed, tackling ability, and ball-hawking skills. In this article, we will delve into Night Train Lane’s early life, NFL career, personal life, wife, and net worth.

Night Train Lane Early Life

Lane was born on April 16, 1928, in Austin, Texas. He grew up in a low-income family and had a tough childhood. Lane’s father abandoned the family when he was just four years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his three siblings. Lane attended L.C. Anderson High School, where he excelled in sports, particularly football and track. He was a standout athlete in high school, and his skills earned him a scholarship to attend Scottsbluff Junior College in Nebraska.

Night Train Lane NFL Career

Lane was not drafted into the NFL. Instead, he signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 1952. He quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, leading the NFL with 14 interceptions in his rookie season. He was named the NFL Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Pro team. Lane played for the Rams for two more seasons before being traded to the Chicago Cardinals in 1954.

SEE ALSO: brooke shields net worth

Lane’s stint with the Cardinals was short-lived, as he was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1956. It was with the Lions that Lane truly made his mark on the league. He played for the Lions from 1956 to 1965, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and six First-Team All-Pro selections during that time. He was a key member of the Lions team that won the NFL Championship in 1957, and he played in another championship game in 1960. Lane retired from the NFL after the 1965 season, having recorded 68 interceptions in his career, which still ranks third all-time.

Night Train Lane Personal Life

Lane was known for his quiet and reserved personality off the field. He rarely spoke to the media, preferring to let his play on the field speak for itself. He was a devout Christian and often attended church services during his playing days. Lane was married twice. His first marriage was to Shirley Lane, with whom he had two children. The marriage ended in divorce in 1967. He later married Mary Parker in 1970, and they remained together until his death in 2002.

Night Train Lane Net Worth

Night Train Lane’s net worth is difficult to determine, as he played during a time when NFL salaries were much lower than they are today. However, he did earn a substantial amount of money during his playing days, and he invested wisely in real estate after retiring from football. At the time of his death, Lane’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.