As the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame holds its fan vote for the 2026 induction class, the expansive list of nominees features two former Detroit Lions. Linebacker Thomas “Pepper” Johnson and offensive lineman Kevin Glover were both included in the professional category.
Johnson, a Detroit native, had a standout football career at MacKenzie High School, where he earned a spot on the Michigan High School All-Decade Team for the 1980s. After playing linebacker at Ohio State and earning All-American honors as a senior in 1985, he was a key member of the New York Giants’ vaunted defense.
Johnson won two Super Bowls and earned first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl accolades during his time in the Meadowlands from 1986-92. Johnson would also spend one season (1996) with the Lions.
Following his retirement, Johnson has served in various coaching roles throughout several levels of football and added three more Super Bowl titles to his repertoire as an assistant coach under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots.
Glover, an All-American offensive lineman at Maryland, was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 1985 NFL Draft. Glover would play 15 NFL seasons, including 13 with Detroit. As a Lion, Glover was a four-time All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowl center and was instrumental in the Lions’ rushing attack led by Barry Sanders. Glover would be named to the Lions’ 75th Season All-Time team in 2008 and the All-Time Team in 2019.
Alongside Johnson and Glover in the professional category are various former athletes, including Detroit Sparks’ Swin Cash; Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych; powerlifter Lamar Gant; drag racer Connie Kalitta; Major League Baseball umpire John “Rocky” Roe; boxer James “Lights Out” Toney; Boston Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup champion goaltender Tim Thomas; and Detroit Red Wings 1997 Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winning goaltender Mike Vernon.
Fans can vote for the 2026 Michigan Sports Hall of Fame induction class once per day until the voting period closes on Friday, June 12.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Michigan Sports Hall of Fame nominee list features two former Lions legends
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
