Bobby Layne, a Hall of Fame quarterback...

Bobby Layne, a Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Detroit Lions to three NFL titles in the 1950s, has been hospitalized for a liver ailment, friends said.

Layne, 59, was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Mich. A hospital spokeswoman said Layne was hospitalized but refused to reveal his condition or the purpose of his stay.

Layne flew from his home in Lubbock, Tex., to Detroit this week to attend the team’s annual alumni festivities.