Before modern football established specialized positions, Earl "Dutch" Clark operated as the ultimate master of the gridiron. Joining the Portsmouth Spartans in 1931 out of Colorado College, the versatile tailback and field general brought unmatched vision and tactical genius to the backfield. When the franchise relocated and rebranded as the Detroit Lions in 1934, Clark became the foundational star of professional football in the Motor City, serving as the team's primary signal-caller and top offensive weapon.

Clark's playmaking style relied on incredible footwork and elite decision-making, earning him a reputation as the game's supreme open-field orchestrator. Operating as a true triple-threat back in the single-wing formation, he controlled games through his running, passing, and kicking abilities. He led the NFL in rushing total offense in 1934 with 763 yards on the ground and topped the league in scoring three separate times (1932, 1935, and 1936), often finishing drives by drop-kicking extra points and field goals himself.

His finest team achievement arrived in 1935, when he guided Detroit to its first-ever NFL Championship. Clark directed a high-powered offense that systematically broke down opposing defenses, crowning the season with a 26–7 victory over the New York Giants in the title game. His leadership was so paramount that the organization named him player-coach in 1937, where he continued to call plays from the backfield while directing the team from the sideline over his final two active seasons.

A six-time First-Team All-Pro selection across his seven professional seasons, Clark was named the AP's outstanding NFL player of the 1930s.

Clark played seven seasons with Portsmouth and Detroit (1931–1932, 1934–1938), accumulating 2,772 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, 1,507 passing yards, and 341 receiving yards. He scored 42 total touchdowns and 369 points, a record at his retirement. Named to the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team, he was part of the Hall of Fame's first class in 1963. The Lions retired his No. 7 jersey and made him a charter member of the Pride of the Lions in 2009.