Jack Lambert (American football player)
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[] at NFL.comJohn Harold Lambert (July 8, 1952, Mantua, Ohio, United States) is a former NFL linebacker in American football. He played football with Kent State, winning two-year All-Mid-American Conference linebacker honors. He was selected as a second round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974. He played with the Steelers for 11 years, their starting lineback for all eleven years. He was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974. In a nine year span, he was named to nine straight Pro Bowls and was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. He led the Steeler's "Steel Curtain" defense to four Super Bowls, all won by the Steelers. He was also known for having a gap where his two front teeth should be and his gritty defensive style.
In the 1974 draft, many pro-football coaches and scouts thought Lambert was too small to play linebacker in the NFL (Lambert did not lift weights). The Steelers drafted him anyway, and he went on to revolutionize the position of the middle linebacker in the 4-3 defensive scheme. He had 28 career interceptions.
A native of Ohio, he had originally wanted to be drafted by division rivals, the Cleveland Browns. As he was drafted by the Steelers, he made sure to play especially tough against the Browns when they played twice a year as punishment for not drafting him[[Citing sources citation needed]].
Lambert was an intergral part of the famed "Steel Curtain" defense, which included defensive hall of famers: Jack Ham, Mean Joe Greene, Mel Blount, and hall of fame finalist L.C. Greenwood. Offensive Hall of famers from that team include: Terry Bradshaw, Mike Webster, Franco Harris, John Stallworth, and Lynn Swan.
Lambert wore number 58 during his career, and was one of the most popular Steelers. His fans called themselves "Lambert's Lunatics." In 1990, Lambert was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame In Canton, Ohio.
Lambert was also chosen as one of only seven linebackers during the NFL's 75th Anniversary All Time Team in 1994, along with fellow linebacker Jack Ham.
Lambert came to epitomize the blue collar hard work and staunch defense of the Steelers for years to come. He also loved the franchise, and stated in his Hall of Fame induction speech:
"I was so fortunate to have played on some of the greatest teams of all time and arguably the greatest defense ever assembled. And finally, how fortunate I was to play for the Pittsburgh fans... a proud and hard-working people who love their football and their players. If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler!"
Lambert's career was shortened by a toe injury that forced him to retire.
Currently, Lambert lives in suburban Pittsburgh and leads a private life, though he does make occasional appearances.
External links
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: [Member profile]
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