The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 10–4, winning only seven games.
Mired in adversity, the 1971 season turned especially tragic for the Lions and the NFL when, during their week 6 hosting of the Chicago Bears, Lions wide receiver Chuck Hughes collapsed on the playing field.
Unresponsive, Hughes was pronounced dead later that day of heart failure.
[1][2] Notes Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends Defensive linemen Defensive backs Special teams rookies in italics Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Chuck Hughes became the first NFL player to die on the field during a game.