6 Football Players who Played for 49ers and Lions
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played on both the 49ers and Lions.
Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush was selected second overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft. Bush played a pivotal role in the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory against the Indianapolis Colts. His career also included stints with the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills.
While not often a traditional every-down back, Bush was known for his versatility and explosive playmaking in both the running and passing game. Bush accumulated over 9000 yards from scrimmage and 54 total touchdowns in his NFL career.
Bush Key Stats
- 1000+ Yard Rushing Season (Dolphins, Lions)
- Super Bowl Winner (Saints)
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2nd round, 54th overall, in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played for 14 seasons in the NFL with the Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. Boldin made an immediate impact as a rookie, being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003.
Throughout his career, Boldin earned three Pro Bowl selections (2003, 2006, 2008) and was known for his toughness, reliable hands, and ability to make contested catches. He played a pivotal role in the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers following the 2012 season.
Boldin’s career statistics include 1,076 receptions, 13,779 receiving yards, and 82 touchdown catches. His combination of physicality and precision route-running allowed him to thrive as one of the premier wide receivers of his era.
Boldin Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (Cardinals)
- Super Bowl Champ (Ravens)
- 1000+ Yard Receiving Season (Cardinals, 49ers)
Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia carved out a notable career in the NFL (and also excelled in the Canadian Football League (CFL)). Starting his professional career in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, he won the Grey Cup in 1998.
Garcia then moved to the NFL, spending the most significant part of his career with the San Francisco 49ers (1999–2003), where he earned Pro Bowl honors three times.
Known for his scrambling ability and toughness, Garcia passed for 25,537 yards and 161 touchdowns in the NFL. Despite stints with four other NFL teams, he’s most remembered for his time with the 49ers.
*Garcia was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 31)
Garcia Key Stats
- Pro Bowl (49ers, Buccaneers)
- 3000+ Yard Passing Season (49ers)
Shaun Hill
Shaun Hill, a quarterback known for his persistence and resilience, carved out a 15-year career in the NFL despite going undrafted. Hill began his NFL journey with the Minnesota Vikings in 2002, followed by spells with the 49ers and Lions, before returning to the Vikings to end his career in 2016.
Throughout his career, Hill was frequently in the backup role but was often called upon to start due to injuries.
When he did play, Hill proved to be reliable and consistent, throwing for a total of 8295 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions, while maintaining a passer rating of 84.9 in 35 starts.
Ty Detmer
Ty Detmer was drafted in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Detmer went on to play for several teams throughout his career, including the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and the Detroit Lions.
In terms of individual accolades, Detmer won the Heisman Trophy in 1990 while playing for Brigham Young University. Despite his success in college, he was primarily a backup in the NFL, starting only 25 games over his 14-season career.
Detmer had some bright spots during his time with the Eagles, where he started some games and threw for almost 3,000 yards in the 1996 season. However, he was unable to maintain a starting role for an extended period due to injuries and competition.
Mohamed Sanu
Mohamed Sanu was selected in the third round, 83rd overall, by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2012 NFL Draft. He played as a wide receiver, making a name for himself with his versatility and ability to contribute in a variety of roles.
Sanu spent four seasons with the Bengals before signing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. During his time in Atlanta, he emerged as a key part of the offense, helping the Falcons reach Super Bowl LI in the 2016 season.
Over the course of his career, Sanu played with several other teams, including the Patriots and 49ers. His career stats include over 400 receptions, nearly 5,000 receiving yards, and 27 touchdown catches. In addition to playing receiver, Sanu also became known for his abilities as a passer, completing several trick-play passes for touchdowns.
