The Lions found a gem in the third round of the 1952 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. Yale Lary stepped into Motown and instantly became a cornerstone of the finest secondary of his generation. Paired with Hall of Famers Jack Christiansen, Jim David, and later Dick "Night Train" Lane, Lary anchored the right safety spot for "Chris’s Crew," a defensive backfield that demoralized opposing passing attacks.

His rookie season in 1952 set the tone for Detroit’s golden era. Lary intercepted four passes, returned a punt 58 yards for a score against the Dallas Texans, and anchored the deep third as the Lions knocked off Cleveland 17–7 to secure the NFL Championship. He 1953, he continued his success with five interceptions, including a 74-yard punt return for a score against Baltimore, helping Detroit win consecutive world titles by beating the Browns again. Just as his career was soaring, Lary put it on hold in 1954 and 1955 to serve as a U.S. Army second lieutenant in Korea.

Returning seamlessly in 1956, Lary tied for second in the league with eight interceptions and returned a pick-six 73 yards. He picked up his third ring during Detroit's dominant 1957 championship run, sealing the 59–14 title-game blowout over Cleveland with his field-flipping playmaking. By the late 1950s, Lary had also established himself as the premier punter in professional football. He won three NFL punting titles (1959, 1961, and 1963)—highlighted by a staggering 48.9-yard average in 1963—and missed a fourth crown in 1964 by a fraction of an inch. Famous for incredible hang time, he once put together a stretch of six consecutive games without allowing a single punt return yard.

Lary concluded his playing days after the 1964 campaign as a rare three-way weapon who dictated every phase of the game.

Lary played in 133 games, with 50 interceptions for 787 yards, two pick-sixes, 503 punts for 22,279 yards (44.3 avg), and three touchdown returns, earning nine Pro Bowls, five All-Pro selections, and Hall of Fame induction in 1979. He was also a charter member of the Pride of the Lions in 2009.