In December 1963, the Detroit Lions selected Hand as a "future selection" in the 10th round of the 1964 NFL Draft. As a rookie in 1965, Hand share responsibility at the right defensive end position with Sam Williams. He appeared in all 14 games at defensive end for the Lions in the 1965, 1966, and 1967 seasons. On October 1, 1967, he scored his first NFL touchdown on an interception against Cardinals' quarterback Jim Hart. He had a total of two interceptions for touchdowns during the 1967 season.