18 Facts About Larry Hand

Larry Hand was selected as the Lions' most valuable player in 1972.

Larry Hand is one of only four Appalachian State football players to have had his jersey number retired.

Larry Hand was born in 1940 in Paterson, New Jersey, grew up in West Milford, New Jersey, and attended Butler High School.

Larry Hand did not play varsity football until his senior year and, even then, was not a starter.

Larry Hand grew to be six feet, four inches tall, and 215 pounds, and enrolled at Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, North Carolina.

Larry Hand began playing college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team in 1962 at age 22 under head coach Jim Duncan.

Larry Hand was selected as the outstanding lineman in the conference.

Larry Hand appeared in all 14 games at defensive end for the Lions in the 1965,1966, and 1967 seasons.

Larry Hand had a total of two interceptions for touchdowns during the 1967 season.

In September 1968, Larry Hand sustained torn ligaments to his knee in the season opener, underwent surgery, and missed the remainder of the 1968 season.

Larry Hand returned to his position as the Lions' right defensive end, starting all 14 games during the 1969,1970,1971,1972, and 1973 seasons.

Larry Hand had a 62-yard interception return for touchdown in 1970 and was selected as the defensive most valuable player for the 1972 Lions.

In 1973, Larry Hand again held out during the early weeks of training camp, finally signing a contract in early August.

In 1974, Larry Hand appeared in 13 games at defensive end for the Lions, eight as a starter.

Larry Hand started all 14 games for the Lions at that position during the 1975 season and 10 more in 1976.

On November 14,1976, in the 10th game of the season, Larry Hand injured his knee against the New Orleans Saints and missed the remainder of the season.

The Lions matched the Oilers' offer, and Larry Hand returned to the Lions.

Larry Hand appeared in all 14 games for the Lions in 1977, but was not a starter.