In 1979, after recording 122 tackles (90 solo) and 6.5 sacks, English was voted as the team's Defensive MVP.
After a year off due to chronic injuries that were hampering his play, English rejoined the Lions prior to 1981 season.
That year, the Lions won the NFC Central Division title with a 9–7 mark, and lost to the San Francisco 49ers, 24–23, in the divisional round.
Upon the arrival of new coach Darryl Rogers in 1985, English was moved to nose tackle in the team's new 3-4 defensive alignment.
English became co-owner with Louie Kelcher, a former college rival with the SMU Mustangs, in the warehousing firm Pro Line Warehouse and Distribution.