Drafted in the second round out of Washington State in 1992, Jason Hanson stepped into the Lions’ roster and delivered unprecedented longevity at the placekicker position. Over the next two decades, Hanson remained the lone constant through changing coaching staffs, evolving front offices, and roster overhauls, anchoring Detroit's special teams unit for an extraordinary 21 consecutive seasons.

Hanson's leg was a weapon from long distance, particularly inside the climate-controlled domes of the Pontiac Silverdome and Ford Field. He made his first Pro Bowl in 1997, earned a second selection in 1999, and set an NFL record for the most 50-plus yard field goals in a career (52). He stands as the first player in NFL history to play 300 games for a single franchise, ultimately appearing in 327 games for the Lions without ever donning another uniform—the all-time league record for seasons and games played with one team.

His accuracy under pressure yielded 17 game-winning field goals, cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable pressure kickers of his generation. When he retired after the 2012 campaign, he ranked among the top scorers in NFL history, having accumulated a staggering 2,150 career points.

That massive scoring tally firmly entrenched him as Detroit's all-time leading scorer, a record that will likely stand for generations. Recognizing his two decades of dedication and clutch kicking, the Lions inducted Hanson into the Pride of the Lions Ring of Honor in 2013 during his first year of eligibility.