Green Bay Packers Pureifory was selected in the sixth round of the
1972 NFL draft by the
Green Bay Packers, 142nd overall. The Packers had obtained that draft pick from the
Chicago Bears in a trade for veteran
defensive back Bob Jeter. During Pureifory's six-year career with the Packers, he became known for not speaking with the media, as well as his improved play as a defensive lineman. He injured his knee during a 1972 playoff game against the
Washington Redskins. He had knee surgery at the end of December. In his second season (1973), Pureifory remained a reserve defensive end; appearing in 13 games and starting one game. He had one quarterback sack that season. In 1974, Pureifory started five games at right defensive tackle, with four sacks. Packers'
defensive coordinator and
defensive line coach Dave Hanner found Pureifory very coachable and an extremely hard worker; allowing Pureifory to improve tremendously in the tackle position. Pureifory became a full-time starter at right defensive tackle for the Packers during the 1975 season, playing both at
nose guard and in a conventional tackle position. Pureifory had five sacks in a December 14, 1975 game against the
Los Angeles Rams, one of which resulted in a
safety when he tackled Rams' quarterback
Ron Jaworski in the end zone. During the first two games of 1975, he filled in as a placekicker for injured kicker
Chester Marcol, against the
Detroit Lions and
Denver Broncos. In four
extra point attempts, Pureifory was successful twice. He also blocked a punt against the Broncos. In 1976, Pureifory suffered a dislocated toe in late September and missed playing time during the season after that. He started only eight games that season for the Packers, with three sacks and one fumble recovery. In 1977, he started 12 games at right tackle for the Packers, and reportedly had six sacks and one fumble recovery that season. Other sources report him as having tied for the 1977 Packers' team lead with eight sacks. In late August 1978, the Steelers traded Pureifory to the
New England Patriots for their
1979 sixth-round pick. The Patriots released him one week later, and he was picked up by the
Cincinnati Bengals for the $100 waiver fee. He appeared in seven games for the Bengals, without any starts. The Bengals released Pureifory on October 17, 1978.
Detroit Lions The
Detroit Lions signed Pureifory as a
free agent less than a week after his release by the Bengals. Pureifory moved from defensive tackle to defensive end when he came to Detroit, and was able to succeed in that new position under the tutelage of defensive line coach
Floyd Peters. In 1979, he was the Lions' starting left defensive end in all 15 games in which he appeared, with 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In
1980, Pureifory was selected as Detroit's Most Valuable Defensive Player, starting all 16 games, with 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble. In 1981, he had a career-high 11.5 sacks in 15 starts at left defensive end, along with two forced fumbles. He was tied for sixth most sacks in the NFL that season. In the strike-shortened
1982 NFL season, Pureifory had seven sacks in nine games; tied for ninth best in the NFL that season. He had ½ sack in the Lions' January 1983 loss to the
Washington Redskins in the
NFC wildcard playoff round; in what would be his last NFL game. Pureifory suffered with leg injuries in 1981 and 1982 that finally ended his NFL career. He failed a physical examination in July 1983, and never rejoined the Lions as an active player. The Lions' line under Peters was originally labelled the "Silver Rush" in 1978, with Pureifory at left defensive end,
John Woodcock at left defensive tackle,
Doug English at right tackle and rookie
Al "Bubba" Baker at right defensive end. The Lions had 55 quarterback sacks that season, second most in the NFL. In 1979, the Lions' defensive line included Pureifory, English, Baker and
Dave Gallagher at left defensive tackle, on a defense that was 23rd in the NFL in points allowed, 11th in total yards allowed, and tied for eighth in sacks. In 1980, Pureifory and Baker were the defensive ends, with
William Gay at left defensive tackle and
John Mendenhall at right defensive tackle on the Silver Rush line. The Lions were first in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed, third best in the NFL in fewest total yards allowed, sixth best in points allowed, and eighth best in quarterback sacks. In 1981 and 1982, the Silver Rush line included Pureifory, Gay, Baker and English. In 1981, the Lions were again first in fewest rushing yards allowed, tied for third in quarterback sacks, fourth in the NFL in fewest total yards allowed, and 13th in fewest points allowed. In 1982, the Lions were tied for third in the NFL in most sacks, fourth in fewest rushing yards allowed, ninth in fewest total yards allowed, and 14th in fewest points allowed. In 63 starts for the Lions, Pureifory had 36 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. ==Legacy and honors==