Taken in the 10th round (132nd overall) out of Appalachian State in the 1964 NFL Draft, Larry Hand joined the Lions as a late-round pick who soon became one of the franchise's most notable draft steals. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman secured a roster spot through relentless effort and physical discipline, earning a starting position on Detroit's front four by his second season and maintaining it for more than ten years.

Hand demonstrated exceptional positional flexibility, fluidly moving between defensive end and tackle based on scheme needs. As a formidable run defender and a persistent pressure creator, he was a key component of Detroit's defense alongside Alex Karras and Wayne Walker. Although he never received Pro Bowl honors, his teammates and coaches recognized his value in 1972 by voting him the Detroit Lions’ Most Valuable Player after an outstanding season.

Durability and defensive playmaker instincts defined Hand's 13-year run. In addition to terrorizing backfields for 62.5 retroactively tracked sacks, Hand had an uncanny knack for turning defensive plays into points—housing three of his five career interceptions for touchdowns, including a 62-yard pick-six against Chicago in 1970. When he retired following the 1977 season as a lifelong Lion, he had logged 164 games played, cementing his legacy as one of the most dependable interior anchors in team history.

He compiled 62.5 sacks, five interceptions (110 return yards, three defensive touchdowns), and eight fumble recoveries over his career.