Steelers’ Jack Lambert Honored As Toughest Player In NFL History: “Struck Fear In The Hearts Of Everyone”

Mike Florio and Chris Simms on the NFL on NBC recognized Lambert as the toughest player in NFL history. Florio and Simms were both equally enthusiastic about the topic.

“I’ll go with a guy that kind of defined my era. He was the toughest son of a gun I’ve ever seen because he wasn’t built like a linebacker. He was just like some wiry guy they found hanging out in the parking lot. They threw pads on him, that were too big for his body, they put him out on the field and he destroyed everyone. And he was fearless and he struck fear in the hearts of everyone he dealt with,” Florio reminisced.

The Steelers took a bit of a flyer on Lambert. He was a second-round draft pick in 1974 out of Kent State, which also later produced James Harrison. Are fans sensing a theme here? Lambert replaced an injured starter his rookie year and won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

A young Jack Lambert in the Steelers’ locker room.

Florio remembers watching the Steelers’ second Super Bowl against the Dallas Cowboys. Roy Gerela, the Steelers kicker, missed a field goal. Cliff Harris, the Cowboys’ safety, decided he’d come out and “congratulate” Gerela, telling him “good job.” Lambert noticed Harris immediately and threw him to the ground. Florio said there was no flag. No one had the guts to throw a flag on Lambert. Lambert made Harris pay for his infraction for the rest of the game.

Lambert had an incredible career. He spent 11 seasons in the league, all in the black and gold. He wasn’t just tough; he was versatile. He spent most of his career as the middle linebacker on their 4-3 defense, but when they switched to a 3-4 model, he moved to the right inside position. He helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls, was named to nine straight Pro Bowls, was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was enshrined in Canton in 1990.

The Steelers’ 1974 draft class was one of the best in NFL history – Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, Lynn Swann and Mike Webster.

Everyone who loves football can conjure up the image of “Dracula in Cleats,” looking like a hockey player, grimacing through his helmet, showing off his missing teeth. Lambert may have terrorized opposing offenses, but he passionately defended his teammates, and everyone who played in the Steel City was glad he was on its side.

Steelers’ Jack Lambert’s Other Side

While fans will always remember Lambert as the Boogeyman on the Steelers’ defense, his teammates remember him differently. Lambert was a guy’s guy. He was known to kick back, drink some beers with the guys, and talk shop.

One of his favorite spots was the sauna at Three Rivers Stadium, which became a real destination. Players would gather after games to drink beer and talk shop. They all knew the fellowship they had, like a brotherhood, and like brothers, they could tease each other mercilessly. Lambert could also dish it out. Once Lambert and Mike Webster allowed teammate Gary Dunn’s mom to join them in the sauna for a beer. They got her a bit tipsy and teased Dunn relentlessly.

Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert stands with a fist clenched over Dallas Cowboys running back Robert Newhouse in Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl win.

Lambert was no exception; he occasionally found himself on the other end of a joke. For example, teammate Tom Beasley left a rattlesnake in Lambert’s room at St. Vincent College during training camp. Despite being a bit of an outdoorsman, Lambert was none too happy about the prank and could be heard yelling across the campus.

Do you remember when Lambert played? What was your favorite memory? If you aren’t old enough, have you watched a film about him? What stands out to you? Who do you think is the toughest man in football? Click to comment below.