Layne was born in Texas and attended the University of Texas, where he was a three-time All-American. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1948 NFL Draft, but was traded to the New York Bulldogs before the season began. He played for the Bulldogs for one season before being traded to the Detroit Lions, where he spent the next nine seasons.
Layne led the Lions to three NFL championships and was selected to four Pro Bowls. He was named the NFL MVP in 1953 and was a two-time All-Pro selection. He was also named to the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team.
Layne was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958 and spent three seasons with the team. He was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1961 and played his final two seasons with the team. He retired after the 1962 season with a career record of 166-132-9.
Layne was known as a fierce competitor and a leader on the field. He was known for his ability to make plays out of nothing and for his ability to rally his team to victory. He was also known for his strong arm and his ability to read defenses. He was a true leader and one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era.
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