Eric Hipple
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Eric Hipple Legacy
HEYTC AIEric Hipple Rating Breakdown
Eric Hipple Career Stats via Wikipedia
Eric Hipple Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1990 1
Brief Stint with Raiders
Signed as a free agent by the Los Angeles Raiders but was released during training camp without appearing in a regular-season game.
1989 1
Final Season with Lions
Played his last year with the Lions, appearing in 9 games (3 starts) with limited action; released by the team after the season following 9 total years in Detroit.
1987 1
Season-Ending Injury
Suffered a severe right shoulder injury (separated and torn ligaments) in Week 3 against the Bears, sidelining him for the remainder of the season after starting 2-1.
1985 1
Playoff Appearance
Led the Lions to the playoffs with an 8-8 record; threw for 3,121 yards and 19 TDs; lost 24-17 to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round.
1983 1
Pro Bowl Selection
Named to the Pro Bowl after posting a 9-5 record as starter, throwing for 2,320 yards, 11 TDs, and 9 INTs; first Pro Bowl honor of his career.
1981 1
Lions Starting QB
Earned the starting quarterback role for the Detroit Lions midway through his rookie season, leading the team to a 6-3 record in his 9 starts.
1980 1
Drafted by Lions
Hipple was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round (92nd overall pick) of the 1980 NFL Draft out of Utah State University.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Hipple
How does Jared Goff compare to Eric Hipple?
Eric Hipple's Lions tenure feels like a gritty '80s rerun next to Jared Goff's prime-time glow-up—Hipple slung 10,711 yards and 55 TDs over nine seasons as a spot starter, while Goff's already eclipsed that in fresh air, chasing playoffs with real protection. Hipple hung tough in the NFC Central meat grinder; Goff's scripting a brighter chapter under Dan Campbell's snarl.
Is Eric Hipple in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nah, Eric Hipple's not in Canton—his 10,711 yards and 55 TDs kept Lions fans hopeful through the lean years, but Pro Football Hall voters overlooked the journeyman grit. Think of him as the reliable backup who stepped up when stars like Gary Danielson faltered, not a plaque guy. Utah State gave him their Hall nod instead.
What is Eric Hipple doing now in 2026?
In 2026, Hipple's channeling his Lions scars into mental health advocacy through his 5th Quarter Foundation, battling depression after personal tragedies like his son's suicide. He's done radio spots, motivational talks, and charity gigs—raw, real stuff that hits harder than any fourth-quarter drive he ever led.
How would Eric Hipple perform in today's NFL?
Hipple's quick-release arm from Utah State would feast under today's pass-happy rules—no more 12 defenders in your grill, just soft zones and flags galore. His 60% college completion could've ballooned to Goff numbers with RPOs and quick slants; he'd carve up secondaries like a '80s pocket passer reborn in Shanahan's scheme.
How does Eric Hipple compare to Bobby Layne?
Bobby Layne owned the Lions quarterback throne with a 38.72 passer rating, whiskey-fueled comebacks, and three NFL titles—pure gunslinger chaos. Hipple's 28.95 mark over nine years was scrappier survival mode, 10,711 yards amid pick-six hell. Layne was the barroom brawler champ; Hipple the tough undercard fighter who never tapped out.