Former Lions GM Martin Mayhew Retires After 25 Years in the NFL
The Detroit Lions are in the midst of their most successful stretch in the Super Bowl era, but longtime fans will remember another period of relevance led by former GM Martin Mayhew. After spending 25 years in the NFL as a player and executive, Mayhew has officially announced his retirement.
Mayhew’s tenure with the Lions began in 2001, and he eventually took over as general manager in 2008. While his time in Detroit started with the infamous 0-16 season, he helped rebuild the team by drafting Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh, and Calvin Johnson. Under his leadership, the Lions made the playoffs twice and posted their first 10-win season since 1995.
Though he was fired in 2015, Mayhew’s roster helped fuel a 2016 playoff run. He later held front-office roles with the Giants, 49ers, and Commanders before stepping away from football. While his era didn’t match today’s success, Mayhew played a pivotal role in restoring competitiveness to the Lions.
