Few nicknames in football history evoke as much fear and respect as "Night Train." Before he played in the NFL, Richard Lane’s unconventional journey to greatness defied typical scouting expectations. After four years in the U.S. Army and working on assembly lines at a Los Angeles aircraft factory, he confidently approached the Los Angeles Rams in 1952 for a tryout. Not only did he earn a spot as an undrafted rookie, but he also set a league record with 14 interceptions in a 12-game season—a record that remains unbroken today. Two years later, the Chicago Cardinals orchestrated a three-team trade to acquire this standout defender, securing him as a key part of their secondary for the next six seasons.
Lane had exceptional vertical leap, smooth hip movement, and a quick closing burst that turned minor quarterback errors into defensive touchdowns. Besides his sharp pass coverage skills, he was arguably the most intimidating, hard-hitting tackler in the league—known for his brutal clothesline tackles called "Night Train Necktie,” which led the NFL to change its rules on neck and facemask contact. His overwhelming athletic ability even led the Cardinals to occasionally use him on offense; notably, in a 1955 game against Pittsburgh, he caught a 98-yard touchdown pass, one of the longest in NFL history at that time.
His first campaign in 1954 while wearing a Chicago uniform immediately highlighted his exceptional ability to intercept the ball. Leading the NFL with 10 interceptions, Lane secured his second career interception title and received his first of four Pro Bowl invites in Chicago. He maintained this high level of performance during his time in the Windy City, leading a tough defense and earning AP First-Team All-Pro recognition in 1956 after making 7 interceptions and returning one for a touchdown.
Between 1954 and 1959, Lane served as the premier perimeter anchor for the Cardinals, collecting four Pro Bowl invitations (1954, 1955, 1956, 1958) while amassing 30 interceptions and 628 return yards in just 68 games. Despite the organization’s overall roster struggles during the decade, Lane was universally recognized as an unassailable star who erased elite split ends across the circuit.
Believing his high-mileage career was nearing its decline, Chicago traded the veteran defensive back to the Detroit Lions prior to the 1960 season. Lane rapidly proved the Cardinals wrong, putting together six more stellar seasons in Detroit—earning three additional First-Team All-Pro nods and bringing his final career tally to 68 interceptions, which ranked second in NFL history at the time of his retirement and still stands fourth all-time.
Lane received the Pro Football Hall of Fame call in 1974 and was named to the NFL 50th, 75th, and 100th Anniversary Teams. In 2006, the Cardinals enshrined Lane in their first Ring of Honor Class.