Detroit acquired Jug Girard from Green Bay in July 1952 for…
Detroit acquired Jug Girard from Green Bay in July 1952 for Ed Berrang, Steve Dowden and a player to be named later. Girard immediately helped the eventual NFL champions, producing 538 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns while filling in for an injured Doak Walker. Green Bay received real value from Dowden, who started at tackle, but Detroit landed the most impactful player. The Lions win A- to B-.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Earl Girard / Jug Girard
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Ed Berrang / Eddie Berrang
- player Steve Dowden
- player future player consideration (identity not specified in source record)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On July 26, 1952, Green Bay traded halfback Jug Girard to Detroit for defensive end Ed Berrang, tackle Steve Dowden and a third player to be named later. Contemporary Packers history confirms the structure and shows that the third-player condition remained part of the arrangement. Detroit wanted a back capable of supporting Doak Walker, while Green Bay sought line help. The deal therefore addressed immediate roster needs for both clubs rather than functioning as a simple salary dump.
Detroit Lions Return
Girard paid off immediately. With Walker injured, Girard stepped into a significant offensive role for the 1952 Lions and finished with 538 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. Detroit won the NFL championship that season, and Girard's production helped bridge an important stretch of the schedule. He also remained part of the club beyond the trade year. For a team built to contend immediately, that was highly useful value at the exact position of need.
Green Bay Packers Return
The Packers received more than spare parts. Dowden emerged as a starting offensive tackle during the 1952 season, making him a legitimate piece of the return. Berrang had a much smaller Green Bay impact, and the future-player component did not clearly produce comparable long-term value. Still, Dowden's contribution prevents this from being graded as a lopsided loss.
Value in Hindsight
Detroit obtained the best player in the exchange and received his most valuable post-trade production immediately during a championship season. Green Bay improved its line and found a starter in Dowden, so the Packers realized meaningful value even though they gave up the more impactful contributor.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions Win is the best call. Detroit receives an A- for acquiring productive championship-season depth that became important when Walker was unavailable. Green Bay receives a B- because Dowden supplied genuine starting value and kept the return competitive. The Lions nevertheless received the stronger football outcome.