American football player, one of the greatest linebackers of all time. Lambert played in the National Football League (NFL) with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-1984), appearing in nine consecutive Pro Bowl games. In 1990, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Mantua, Ohio, Lambert spent his summers on his grandfather’s farm, doing odd jobs and gaining “farm-boy” strength. Tall at 6′ 4″ (1.93 m), he got his height from his mother and his wide, square shoulders from his father. When he was two years old, his parents divorced, and thereafter he spent the weekends with his father, playing ball. He attended Crestwood High, where he earned nine letters in football, basketball and baseball, but his first love was always football and his favorite team was the Browns. His reputation as a raging toothless monster on the field dates back to that time. During a high school game, he was hit in the mouth by a teammate and lost three front teeth. His intensity was always evident as he pumped his feet up and down until the ball was snapped. Dedicated to the game, he played despite sprains and strains. He continued his education at Kent State, and after graduation, he became a middle linebacker with the Steelers. Tough and raw-boned, he was defensive rookie of the year for 1974, and throughout his career, he led the team in tackles. He retired from professional football after the 1984 season.
Often described as a combination of Count Dracula and Darth Vader by the press, Lambert had a well-earned reputation for playing hard, and throughout his career, he was ejected from games and fined for various infractions. Off the field, however, he is a quiet man who is protective of his privacy, and he’s an avid fisherman and bird watcher. He is not married.
In 1980, the citizens of Mantua renamed the high school football stadium in his honor, and he is the subject of Ron Rotunno’s book, “Jack Lambert: Tough as Steel.”
Link to Wikipedia biography