Former Steeler middle-linebacker from the 1970’s- #58 Jack Lambert turns 60 day. Jack Lambert was the Steelers second round pick in the 1974 draft- and undersized linebacker from Kent State. He was 6’4″ but only weighted 2o4 as a rookie.  That Steeler draft of 1974 would be the greatest draft in NFL history. 3 other future Hall of Famers were taken by the Steelers in that draft- Lynn Swann, Mike Webster and John Stallworth. They would also as a free-agent non drafted player get Donnie Shell. There were others from that Steeler rookie class who were contributors.

Jack Lambert was a crazy man. He started immediately and made an impact from the first whistle. He was known for his aggressive play. He hit hard and was an intimater. He won the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 1974. Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. 9 time Pro Bowl selection. He remains one of the favourite Steelers of all-times. He was injured in 1984- a turf toe injury he couldn’t recover from and retired after the season. He still lives in the Pittsburgh area but has kept a low profile since he retired.

One Jack Lambert moment that I think sums up how he was on the football field was Super Bowl X. Things weren’t going the Steelers way. Field -Goal kicker Roy Gerela missed an easy field goal and the Cowboys Cliff Harris came up and patted Gerela on the helmet. Out of nowhere comes Jack Splat Lambert. Lambert grabbed Harris and threw him to the ground. The momentum of the game changed right after that. {Video of that below}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4swpTYFzo_8