On July 11, 1985, famous linebacker Jack Lambert retired from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even three decades after retiring, he remains one of the best and most beloved linebackers to ever wear the black and gold.
The Kent State University product was selected in the second round (46th overall) of the 1974 NFL Draft.
Despite being the youngest starter on the Steelers defense, Lambert’s intelligence, quickness, and intensity made his presence known early on, as he helped the defensive unit become a force of fear. He was a key member of a great defense that appeared in six AFC Championship games and went on to win four Super Bowls in six seasons.
Lambert has 28 interceptions (243 yards recovered), 17 fumble recoveries, and 1,479 tackles over his 11-year career. The NFL did not track sacks until 1982, although he unofficially had 23.5 career sacks. (Back then, Steelers linebackers were used differently; Lambert fell into coverage rather than rushing the passer.)
Lambert instilled dread in quarterbacks, as Hall of Famer John Elway aptly expressed. As a rookie, Elway had to face the feared Steelers defense, with Lambert snarling at him from across the line. “He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself,” Elway said. “I am thinking, You can have your money back; just get me out of here. Let me become an accountant. I can’t tell you how much I wanted to get out of there.”
Lambert instilled dread in quarterbacks, as Hall of Famer John Elway aptly expressed. As a rookie, Elway had to face the feared Steelers defense, with Lambert snarling at him from across the line. “He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself,” Elway said. “I am thinking, You can have your money back; just get me out of here. Let me become an accountant. I can’t tell you how much I wanted to get out of there.”
“I believe there are a lot of steel mill workers in this town; hardworking people,” Lambert stated at his retirement press conference. “This is a football city.” I believe they know their football extremely well, and they know who is out there working hard. I believe they believed I worked hard out there. I believe they appreciated that.
Lambert was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, alongside his colleague, running back Franco Harris. “How fortunate I was to have played for the Pittsburgh Steelers fans,” Lambert stated during his Hall of Fame induction speech. “Proud, hardworking individuals who love football and its players.”
Lambert may have retired before some of you were even born, but his legacy lives on in NFL history.
The Steelers have prepared a list of Lambert’s top plays, which can be found on their YouTube account. You are welcome.
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