R.I.P. - James "Hound Dog" Hunter

Former Lions cornerback James (Hound Dog) Hunter died Monday morning of an apparent heart attack at his home in Orchard Lake, the team announced. He was 56.




Hunter, who got his nickname from the long strides he took while running, played for the Lions in 1976-82 and led the team in interceptions for three seasons. The Lions drafted Hunter out of Grambling State with the 10th overall pick in 1976. Hunter also played running back at Grambling and was believed to be coach Eddie Robinson’s last two-way player.



“James Hunter shall always be remembered as a consummate pro — on and off the field,” Lions president Tom Lewand said in a released statement. “He made a significant impact on the field, in the community, as a businessman, as a business partner with the Lions in recent years, and as a husband and father.”