The Detroit Lions have long been known for their electric offense and aggressive coaching style, and over the years, they’ve built a reputation for pulling off some of the most creative and jaw-dropping trick plays in NFL history. From fake punts to tackle-eligible touchdowns, the Lions have pulled out all the stops to keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Let’s take a look back at some of the best trick plays in Lions history—plays that not only changed the course of games but also made us all say, “Did that really just happen?”

1. The Tackle-Eligible Touchdown (Taylor Decker)

Who says offensive linemen can’t be touchdown threats? In a move that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Lions pulled off one of the most memorable tackle-eligible touchdowns in NFL history when Taylor Decker caught a pass from Jared Goff in the end zone.

Decker, who was brought in as an extra lineman to block on the play, slipped unnoticed into the end zone and was found wide open for the easy score. The crowd erupted as the offensive lineman turned into an unexpected star. It was a perfect example of Detroit’s ability to use trickery to exploit defensive schemes—and to give a little love to the big guys up front!

2. The Double Pass to Goff (Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jared Goff)

A double pass can be a risky move, but the Lions executed it flawlessly in a game against the Green Bay Packers. In the play, Amon-Ra St. Brown took a lateral from Jared Goff, then quickly looked downfield to find the QB wide open. St. Brown lobbed the ball to Goff, who caught it and ran for a big gain. It wasn’t just a trick play—it was a statement of creativity and confidence in the Lions’ offensive playbook.

The play was a bold gamble that paid off, showing that the Lions were willing to think outside the box and take risks. The fact that Goff, the quarterback, ended up as the recipient of the pass—an unusual role for a signal caller—made it that much more memorable.

3. The Fake Punt (Jack Fox to CJ Moore)

Who says punters can’t throw passes? In what has become one of the most iconic moments of Lions trickery, Jack Fox—the team’s punter—pulled off a fake punt pass to CJ Moore for a first down.

Fox, who was a high school quarterback, showed off his arm when he completed a pass to Moore, keeping the drive alive and shocking fans and opponents alike. The Lions didn’t just settle for a standard punt; they took the opportunity to catch the defense off guard and keep the ball in their hands. It was one of those moments where you knew Detroit wasn’t afraid to be bold, no matter the situation.

4. The Onside Kick Recovery Extravaganza

It’s not every day you see a team successfully recover multiple onside kicks, but the Lions pulled it off in spectacular fashion in a key game. Riley Patterson executed a well-placed onside kick, and the ball bounced off a defender’s helmet and into the hands of Godwin Igwebuike, who secured the recovery for Detroit.
But the fun didn’t stop there. The Lions weren’t content with one successful onside kick—they did it multiple times in the same game. The unpredictability of these plays kept the opposition scrambling and made it clear: Detroit had no fear of taking risks when it mattered most.

5. The Flea Flicker Touchdown (Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta)

The flea flicker has been a favorite trick play for many teams over the years, but the Lions took it to the next level in one particular game against the Green Bay Packers. David Montgomery took the handoff, then flipped it back to Jared Goff, who launched a perfect deep pass to Sam LaPorta for a touchdown.

The flea flicker is a play that relies on precision timing, and the Lions executed it flawlessly. It wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment; it was a statement of just how dangerous this Lions offense could be when they had every option available to them. The success of this play showed that Detroit’s creativity wasn’t just about the trick plays themselves but about taking calculated risks to move the ball downfield in dramatic fashion.

6. The Reverse Throw (Jamal Williams to Jared Goff)

In a game against the Packers, the Lions pulled off an amazing reverse pass play that caught everyone off guard. Jamal Williams ran a reverse and then tossed the ball back to Jared Goff, who threw it to Amon-Ra St. Brown for a touchdown. This play was as surprising as it was exciting, and it was a perfect example of how the Lions’ offensive creativity can strike in the most unexpected ways. Williams, usually known for his running ability, showed his versatility, and Goff took the backseat to execute a perfect pass.

7. The Fake Field Goal (Jack Fox to Tom Kennedy)

Another example of Detroit’s boldness came on a fake field goal attempt where punter Jack Fox completed a pass to Tom Kennedy for a first down. The Lions’ willingness to take these kinds of calculated risks demonstrated just how aggressive they were in every phase of the game. This particular play helped them keep a drive alive, further proving that Dan Campbell‘s coaching philosophy was all about taking advantage of any and every opportunity to outsmart the opponent.

8. The ‘Tight End’ Direct Snap (David Montgomery to Sam LaPorta)

In one of the more unusual plays in recent memory, the Lions used David Montgomery as the focal point of a direct snap play that involved a tight end. Instead of just running the ball up the middle, Montgomery took the snap and found Sam LaPorta for an unexpected and brilliant completion that led to a big gain. It was a play that showcased not just trickery, but the Lions’ ability to keep defenders guessing with a variety of offensive looks.

Conclusion: Lions’ Legacy of Creativity

The Detroit Lions have built a legacy of unpredictability and creativity on offense, and these trick plays are just a taste of what this team is capable of. Under Dan Campbell, the Lions have embraced an aggressive, high-risk style of play that has made them one of the most fun teams to watch in the NFL. Whether it’s a fake punt, a flea flicker, or a tackle-eligible touchdown, Detroit’s offensive ingenuity has consistently kept opponents on their toes.

For Lions fans, these trick plays are more than just a way to win games—they represent the team’s fearless attitude and its ability to bring something special to the field every week. As long as the Lions continue to innovate and surprise, their place in NFL trick-play history is sure to grow even more legendary.

What’s your favorite Detroit Lions trick play of all time? Drop a comment below and let us know! And don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Lions content!