Fan Tribute to
Jack Lambert

"Jack Lambert is what every football player wants to be when he grows up..."
Submitted by Nat LaBorde
Send us your thoughts & memoirs about the greatest middle linebacker of all time.


The following articles are listed in the order they were received (with the most recent entries at the top). This isn't a "guestbook" format... I read and manually insert every message, so you may not see your submission show up immediately. Thanks a million for your comments, people!




> Special Feature <
Pittsburgh Steelers
"I drilled him."
"Lambert didn't see me coming until the last instant. He tried to square up but couldn't, and I drilled him -- just floored him. The play went for a score, and he got up cussing and yelling with the wildest eyes I've ever seen!" More...
Guest Article: An encounter with Jack Lambert
My Fight with Lambert
An entertaining first-hand account of a rookie tight end's encounter with Jack

Article by Mark Dufresne

I was a failed Steeler draft choice as a tight end coming out of Nebraska in 1978, but during my brief stint with the team, I experienced a couple of memorable Jack Lambert moments first hand that I thought your readers would enjoy.

Lambert was as intimidating in camp as he was in games... maybe even more so. Nobody messed with Jack. NOBODY. His respect was solid within the team. He was his own man and was not into political correctness in the slightest, because I believe his heart was pure and he was comfortable within himself. At our first team lunch with the vets in camp, we -- rookies and star veterans alike -- had to stand up and introduce ourselves and the school we played at. When it came his turn, Jack stood up on his chair and yelled out loud like a Marine drill sergeant, "I'm Jack Lambert, I'm from mother-f**king Grambling, and if you don't like it, you can kiss my skinny white ass!" He sat back down without even a trace of a smile, and the place went nuts, howling and laughing. Grambling is, of course, a predominantly "black" state university in Louisiana.

My other personal story occured during a very important Sunday scrimmage we had shortly before the season started. We were all very tired and ornery after several weeks of camp, and I -- like everyone else -- was in no mood for anyone to be messing with me. I was a 6'3", 240-pound rookie tight end, so I had about 20 pounds on Lambert. The particular play called for me to release inside and block down hard on Lambert to set up a sweep around the right side. Lambert didn't see me coming until the last instant. He tried to square up but couldn't, and I drilled him -- just floored him. The play went for a score, and he got up cussing and yelling with the wildest eyes I've ever seen! I was fairly certain that Mr. Lambert did not appreciate being decked, especially by a rookie like me.


Current photo of Dufresne.


Dufresne played his college ball at Nebraska.


Dufresne sprints past a defender for a score.


Dufresne goes airborne for a tough grab.
Making sure that everyone (especially Lambert) could hear him, Coach Noll runs over to me and yells "Great block, Mark! Super hit! You knocked Jack flat on his ass! That's what I wanna see from every tight end in camp! Now let's go, line it up again right now, same play!"

Oh sh*t, Coach! You gotta be kiddin' me! Run it again? Oh, sh*t! I glanced over at Lambert, who was now clearly cranked up a couple of notches beyond ferocious. Had he any teeth, he would have been spitting through them. As we broke the huddle, a thin-lipped Noll brushed by me and half-whispered in my ear-hole, "Let's see what happens this time, rookie." So we line it up again, and by this time Lambert is practically jumping out of his skin. I feel a virtual hug of kinship and understanding from a number of my offensive teammates, some of whom lowered their heads (perhaps in a brief silent prayer for me). On defense, they were all smiles... they knew what was coming.

So Bradshaw takes the snap and L.C. Greenwood (nicknamed "Hollywood Bags") mysteriously allows me to slip past him without a touch (wow, I'm pretty quick, huh?) and before I could go more than about three steps, WHAM! Lambert hits me at full speed and flattens me like I'm a 3rd string punter! Not to be cliche, but I suspect my momma felt that hit... it left me a bit dazed. Lambert then steps on me and catapults over my body to make a vicious hit on Thunder Thornton (our 2nd-year running back), who was trailing me on the play. Needless to say, Jack stopped Thornton cold, then proceeded to stand over me, screaming and hollering and calling me some very bad names. In the heat of the moment, I lost my head. As Lambert turned to walk away, I dug my way out from under Thornton (who was still draped across my legs, perhaps shaking out the cobwebs), angrily scrambled to me feet and took a swing at Lambert, catching him flush across the earhole.

In retrospect, that was not a very smart thing for a rookie tight end to do to an already angry Jack Lambert. I thought he was mad before... but he wasn't. Now he was mad. We exchanged some wild punches -- and what can only be described as "colorful" language -- before the coaches and some teammates pulled us apart. I was never so relieved! I didn't sense that relief from him, however.

It turned out to be my only really memorable time with the great Steelers of the late-70's, as I was cut soon after. I'm suspect he'd have no memory of it, since I don't imagine it was an isolated incident in his long career. But it was certainly memorable for me. How a skinny body like his could have packed so much punch is just beyond me. That the difference between simply great players and mythical legends, I guess...

It was fun for me to get that "cup of coffee" in the bigs, with the greatest team in NFL history without a doubt. Even my failure was a success for me, so I was proud to have been given the chance.

Written by Mark Dufresne

P.S. -- I was in the 1978 photos from camp at Latrobe, and my number (for that very short time) was 87. I didn't make it to the end, so I am not in any official pictures, and I don't have any snapshots of my own. I actually wrote the Steeler office a few years back to see if they had anything from that camp, and they didn't. Bummer! If anyone has any snapshots from '78 training camp, please contact us!




Submitted by Ron "Tank" Rotunno
Dear Mcmillen and Wife:

I am the author of Jack Lambert-Tough As Steel, and I could share it with a brutha. Please write.

I went to Kent State with Lambert and watched him play college ball. The first time I saw him play I knew he would play in the NFL. He must have averaged 18 tackles/game.It was an outstanding performance by Lambert each game day.

Surely the greatest! Thank you.



Submitted by Catherine Mezzatesta
Being a 27-year-old, I developed a true appreciation for Jack through anecdotes from my parents and videotaped coverage.

I am a genuine fan of football and I especially enjoy watching defensive plays unfold. It's only natural, that Jack would dominate conversations about exceptional linebackers and memorable defensive performances.

With utmost respect to Jack, I named by dog Lambert. A constant reminder of a great player.



Submitted by Kim Fletcher
I am 59 years old; lucky to have watched a number of great NFL players, and I can say that the day Lambert retired, my spirit for football waned a bit. For me he is a true inspiration and still a role model. I hear he is a game warden for the state of PA. Woe be to the poor sucker who tries to mess with him!

Regards, Kim Fletcher



Submitted by Ronald (TEE) Thomas
Growing up in Pennsylvania (Smithfield, Uniontown area) I remember the great games. And the catch by Franco Harris from Bradshaw that got it all started. The catch that rejuvenated a state and melted races into a pot on Sunday allowing them to be come one. Whether watching or playing in our own backyards we all wanted to hit and cover like that Steel Curtain. We all wanted to be able to play like any of those great players. But deep down inside Jack Lambert was the man we wanted to play like to emulate. MR. Jack Lambert thanks for a lifetime of memories and thanks for allowing a grown man to be forever young.

Ronald (TEE) Thomas
Atlanta, Ga.



Submitted by Joe Arriaran
Let me first state that Mr. Lambert was not only the best middle linebacker who ever played the game, but I would consider him and Walter Payton the finest Football players who ever walked on the gridiron. Lambert's range, leadership, tenacity and nose for the football is unmatched. He hit as hard as Butkis and was always around the ball, better than anyone who ever played this game. My son is only 8, but I am already "brainwashing" him on Lambert and Steeler videos. He loves them, if anyone has a Lambert or Steel curtain video/tape, please let me know where I can find them.

Lambert had 10 plus years of dominance and I don't see anyone of his kind in today's game, but I can only hope that his replacement is near by so I can start enjoying the game as I once did.



Submitted by Scott Brooks
I had accidently ran into your website dedicated to Jack Lambert. I have a memory of this incredible football player and more importantly, person.

I believe it was 1982 and I received my Eagle Scout award in Pittsburgh. At the end of the year, the Scout Council has a banquet for everyone that earned this award. That year's banquet was held at the William Penn Ballroom in Pittsburgh. Our guest speaker was none other than Mr. Jack Lambert.

I remember watching this ferocious, terrifying, destructive, etc. man every Sunday as he destroyed opposing players. With hair on and teeth in, Mr. Lambert had to be one of the finest speakers I have had the pleasure to listen to.

I can't speak for anyone else that evening, but I will always hold Mr. Jack Lambert in the highest regards. No other professional athlete playing or retired will ever compare with the accomplishments this hero has shown, both on the field and off. More players today ought to use "Count Dracula" as examples to live by.

Scott B.



Submitted by CHECKDART
Hi you'll have to help me with this one! It was uring the 76 probowl game and I think 8 or 9 Steelers made the probowl on defense and when they were all on the field together and Lambert was calling the plays for the defense that the Steelers would use and the other 2 guys from the other teams that were on the field with the 9 Steelers ask Lambert what he wanted them to do and he said "stay out of the way"!

I believe it came out of theSports Illustrated article but I'm not sure!



Submitted by Tracy
I still wear #58 every Sunday during the season. Watching Mr.Lambert play while growing up gave me so much excitement and fun. I grew up on a farm in Illinois before the days of satellite tv,so half the time all I got were highlights,but thankfully the Super Bowl was one of our 3 channels.My wife laughs at my school pictures because grade 4-9 were taken wearing #58.Thanks again ,Jack.

Tracy, Myrtle Beach SC



Submitted by SteveOk61
I have been a Steelers fan for over 30 yrs. I guess it started because my high school colors was the same. Jack Lambert was and still is my favorite player. I found your page by mistake and i'm glad i did. Thanks for the memories.



Submitted by Rick Hudgell
Hello

Back in 1983 I was in my senior year of high school,widely regarded as one of the best outside linebackers in the league. Three quarters in to the first game of the season, I tore my ACL and my football dream was over. A local sportswriter who use to follow me and knew I was a huge Jack Lambert fanatic, decided to take me to the Steelers / Bengals Monday Night Football game. Little did I know at the time, we had press passes which included free reign of the field! The closing shot of MNF that night was Jack's huge paw around my shoulders. Since I was at the game and didnt get to see it on TV, I would dearly love to obtain a copy of it. Even better I wonder if Jack remembers.

I am a 37 year old Deputy Sheriff / SWAT Team Sniper who will never forget the fierce linebacker who took the time to befriend an injured kid.

Thanks so much for any help you can provide.



Submitted by Steven Bishop
Hi, I recently had the honor and privilege of fulfilling one of my life-long dreams. I attended the Football Spectacular in NJ in mid-May. I couldn't believe I was really there. Many of my childhood heroes were in attendance. "Mean" Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Franco Harris and others. Then when the weekend was winding down, I saw a flyer promoting the Steel Curtain and who else but by man I would give my right arm for, the greatest middle linebacker and Steeler of all-time, Jack Lambert. It was just great enough to have the honor of meeting him. I made the 6hr trip from Syracuse, NY to Cleveland without a second thought. But because of a few great people I had the honor of somewhat hanging out with him while he was signing for the dealers. He was signing a mini-helmet and looked at me and said " Can you hand me that bottle of water" ? I couldn't believe that the Jack Lambert was talking to me. I felt like the kid who got Joe Greene's jersey in the old Coke commercial. I showed him the tattoo I have of him on my back. It's of the '84 SI cover. I waited over 22years to meet him and I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed like meeting so many other players. He wasn't exactly over talkative but anyone who knows alot about him knows that's how he is.



Submitted by David Edinger
Hey, just wanted to say that I loved the website. It had everything I've been looking for. I especially liked the Lambert tribute.



Submitted by Vernon D. Hamilton
Hello,

I am not a Steelers fan, never have, never will. I am 49er until the end of time. But, Jack Lambert is, without a doubt, the nastiest, meanest, hardest hitting, and best of all, the greatest middle linebacker ever. He is my one of my favorite all time players. I had the honor of taking a picture with his hall of fame sculpture.

By the way...this is a great website.

Vernon D. Hamilton



Submitted by Ernesto Lazcano
Sorry for my english, I´m a mexican steeler fan. The biggest. And my favorite steelers player has been Jack "EL Conde" Lambert. (In México is the the way that the people called to Jack)

I remember two situations:

a).- Against Brian Sipe (QB-Browns). After Sipe's hit Lambert figth against all the the brown's bench.

b).- Against Oilers in monday nigth game. Earl Campbell ran only 5 yards all the nigth.

Long live Steelers.
Thanks for the memories.

Ernesto Lazcano
México City



Submitted by John
Hi guys,

Your site is awesome. Captian Jack is my alltime favorite player. He exhibited the essence of football...A GRID-IRON ASSASSIN. I grew up watching him wreak havoc on the field en route to 4 SuperBowl victories. His snaggle-toothed growl generated fear and anguish in all who faced him. Even though I've never been to Pittsburgh, The Steelers have always been my team and Jack is reason number one. I love him...and I thank you for giving him a site worthy of his stature as a Hall of Fame player.

John (Alpharetta, GA)



Submitted by Mark L. Seese
All of the clichés have pretty much been used, but, oh, well.......if the show fits. Most of the parts may have been in place when the Steeler's drafted Jack Lambert out of lightly-regarded Kent State, but the attitude and swagger of the Steeler's did not reach their legendary proportions until Jack stepped onto the field. To say he was the heart and soul of these great teams is still selling his contribution short. He was the heart and soul of a dynasty and of it's loyal following of fans that will never forget what became the greatest team ever to step on the gridiron.

Who could ever forget this take-charge rookie completely turning the emotional momentum of Super Bowl X when he took matters into his own hands and showed Cliff Harris the turf. Brian Sipe can probably still hear the bells ringing from a couple of savage shots he was on the receiving end of.

Some will always refer to Lambert as a dirty player. I will always see a player who came to play. A player who played the game with such a fervor that an entire defense, an entire team, and even an entire city rallied around his intensity. I have only ever seen three other players with anything resembling Lambert's intensity: Dick Butkus, Chris Speilman and Greg Lloyd. In my mind, that's pretty select company.

Mark L. Seese
Canton, Ohio



Submitted by John Wimmer
Jack lambert was N.F.L. football, he played the game the way it was meant to be played, mean and dirt, yet smart. When I played football for my private school and for a bible college I also played with a intensity that my co-players thoght was to hard, but I patterned myself after Jack and proud of that. Thank you!



Submitted by Rick Lawler
I am an avid Linebackers fan....I love to watch the old NFL films of Butkus and Lambert. Although I am a New Orleans Saints fans with a deep, imbedded LOVE of the game of Football, I can never get tired of watching Butkus and Lambert. I am 42 years young and have seen these two play in person. I have a 7 year old son who plays playground football and is a BIG kid.. I mean he is a solid kid..He has 2 pictures on the bulletin board of my favorite linebackers and guess who they are? As I explained to my son that Jack Lambert did not fit the prototypical linebacker because he was tall and thin with skinny legs. But his HEART was in the game. He played for the LOVE of the game. Which is something these players today DON'T do they play for the GREEN! One of my favorite Lambert moments was in the Super Bowl when Roy Gerela missed a field goal and the Cowboys Cliff Harris was patting Gerela on the helmet. And then Lambert saw what was going on and ran over and threw Harris on his ass! Lambert was a team player and for sure one of the GREATEST!



Submitted by Darlene Auchter
I'm a 35 year old man in tears right now.This is a great site about a great man.

To me no one even comes close to Jack Lambert.The intense way he played the game will never be matched.

I remember growing up in the 70s and 80s watching him play;glued to the tv I remember always having to have #58 And wanting to have my 2 front teeth pulled (Mom never let me) Now I can show my two sons the greatest of the great.The very best to ever play the MONSTER.

Thank you very much for having this web site.I will return and often.



Submitted by Darlene Auchter
THANK YOU FOR THE WEB SITES FOR JACK LAMBERT. I AM NEW AT THIS COMPUTER STUFF. I AM STILL A JACK LAMBERT FAN. WATCHING HIM PLAY FOOTBALL, JUST AMAZED ME. I GUESS I GOT LOST IN THAT ERA OF FOOTBALL. NOTHING SEEMS THE SAME ANYMORE. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS, BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE STEEL CURTAIN. IN MY HOME AREA, WE HAVE A SPORTS BAR, CALLED BILLYS BLACK AND GOLD. THE OWNERS WIFE HAD A PICTURE OF LAMBERT THAT SHE DREW, ON A WALL. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. A FEW YEARS AGO TI GOT DESTROYED BY FIRE. THEY ARE , SLOWLY BUT SURELY REPLACING ALL OF THEIR THINGS. IF YOU EVER HAVE INFO ON JACK LAMBER DOING A SIGNING I WOULD SURELY BE THERE, WITH MY GRANDSON. YES I AM AN OLD FAN.HAHAHAHA BUT MY FAMILY WILL NEVER FORGET JACK , AS I TELL THEM ALL THE TIME, BEST LINEBACKER EVER.



Submitted by Paul R. Smith
I've often wondered who was the tuffest man alive in the 70's. Of all categories, it had to be Jack Lambert. The stamina and intensity of this man was incredible for a 210-220 lb. man. Let any quarterback in the NFL during the 70's verify that statement. Jack, you are a true legend of any mans ego.



Submitted by Mark Zahorchak
I also grew up during the 1970s. I was a kid during the era when it seemed as if winning the Super Bowl was a Steeler player's birthright. Through those years, I gathered a large collection of Steelers jerseys, ranging from Bradshaw and Swann to Ham and Lambert. However, on game day, there was only one jersey I would wear ... #58.

Jack Lambert was the ultimate Steeler. He represented all that was good about those great teams in the 70s, and all that is good about the franchise in general. HIs toughness and work ethic, his determination, and his will to win were the true embodiment of a dynasty that so perfectly matched a blue collar town like our own.

One of the greatest moments in Steeler history was the famous incident when Lambert slammed Cliff Harris to the turf in Super Bowl X. Harris was the typical Cowboy ...all flash ... mouthy ...soft ... and consistantly a runner-up to the Steelers. Hearing John Facenda in the highlights from that game .... "Lambert used the incident to work himself into an even higher level of rage" .... while showing Lambert with his feet pumping before the play, still brings goosebumps even 26 years later ....

I still have Jack Lambert's autograph from a session at the old Greengate Mall in Greensburg. It is a constant reminder of what a joy it was to be a kid and a Steeler fan during those glorious days. In the 1970s, the Steelers were a way of life. Every fall Sunday was spent with my entire family at my grandparent's house - watching the Steelers win ...

This Steelers season has been an unexpected joyride. I cannot wait until Sunday when I get to take my seat at Heinz Field for the game against the Ravens. However, even if the Steelers repeat the 70s and win four Super Bowls in six years, they could never knock the Steel Curtain of the 70s from the pedestal in my heart....and, of course, the Steeler whose image is sculpted on top of that pedestal is wearing #58.

Mark Z
Greensburg, PA



Submitted by Tim Ryan
I'M A STEELERS FAN LIVING IN EAGLE COUNTRY. I WENT TO A PRE- SEASON GAME TO SEE MY MAN JACK LAMBERT PLAY. THE ONE PLAY I'LL NEVER FORGET IS THE ONE WERE JACK WAS BLITZING AND HE HIT JAWORSKI SOOOOOOOO HARD I THOGHT HE KILLEDTHE MAN. AFTER THE PLAY JAWORSKI LAID THERE FOR A WHILE. THAT'S ONE PLAY I'LL NEVER FORGET.



Submitted by Matt Merkle
Hi, Ever since I played pop-warner, my hero was Jack Lambert. I played middle linebacker through my school years and always wanted to be like him. I'm now much older, married and have a wonderful daughter. Life has been good to us and we recently purchased a home with a game room. The first picture I want up on the game room wall is of him. Can you please tell me where I can buy a larger picture of the thumbnail on your website "Collared" or one like it? Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Jack Lambert is still my football hero. I like to think some of his heart made it my way to me when I played. Thanks Jack!

Sincerely yours,
Matt Merkle



Submitted by Paver1216
NO ONE epitomized the MLB position moreso than #58. A definite favorite of mine for the ages! I will always have fond memories of those missing 2 front teeth, and that icy stare. Jack----you were the best!



Submitted by Tim Moffatt
Simply put , Lambert was the greatest football player I have ever seen. Period. He was a magnificent leader and a wonderful role model to young players on both sides of the border. Next to my father, Jack Lambert may have had the biggest impact on my life.I had the good fortune to be taught by Jack at a football camp in 1979 - Jack Ham also taught the linebackers that week - his teachings still impact upon me today. My linebackers are very aware of # 58 and often compete to wear the number .We are very fortunate to have seen his kind in our lifetime -everything player today pales in comparison .

Great website!!!!

Tim Moffatt
Orillia,Ontario,Canada
God Bless America



Submitted by John Madia
wow what a great tribute to 58 jack lambert a man who you hope your children will posess his dedication and work ethic to anything they do. be it sports or studies. jack left it all on the field.had a coach at west liberty wv who play with jack at Kent State coach tommy mcdonald. jack was a man of ethics evident of the harris encidance. no one disrespects one of jacks family. respect is what jack earned. great tribute to the greatest football player of all time. looking at some of the pictures made my hair stand up . look up football in the dictionary it says see Jack Lambert thank you mr lambert for the memories.



Submitted by Robert Stock
How incredible!!! Jack Lambert has always been my favorite and your site is incredible...

Jack Splat will always be the one middle linebackers will be compared to!!!

Thanks for putting it together.. I will be back GGOOO SSTEEELERRRSSSS!!!



Submitted by Michael Hundemann
Jack Lambert was more then a man, but less then a god. He is a legendary hero that will always dominate the middle linebacker position and be affiliated with number 58. I'm only 15, but have played football for 8 years now, and every year have worn number 58. I've watched footage of him and idolized him since i was seven years old, and strive with every game I play to emulate the intensity and greatness Jack Lambert brought to the game. The way he even stuck up for Roy Gerela in the Super Bowl and threw Cliff Harris on the ground was a great inspiration to me, simply of team unity. He played with an honor and passion for the sport like none other. Playing the run game, pass game, being a pass rusher, and giving the most tremendous hits that anyone has ever seen. Jack Lambert is a football player like no other that will not come around ever again.

Michael Hundemann, #58
Middle Linebacker @ Central Regional High School



Submitted by Sebastian Guerriero
Hello,

I am new to the game of football. I recently found out about Jack Lambert, and this man impresses me. I admire Mr.Lambert, seeing what little I have of him shows him to be a man of great loyalty and courage.

I'm not a football player, I am a martial artist and what Jack Lambert brought to the field is something I strive to do in my Gung Fu. He really is courageous and shows what one can do when they focus their desire.

I thank you for putting up this marvelous tribute to the man, it has helped me greatly in the learning about this inspirational figure.

Sincerely,
Sebastian Guerriero



Submitted by Robin Fermin
I've been a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers for as long as I can remember. I recently found your web page via my brother who is also a long-time Steeler fan. Although I haven't lived in PA for the past 20 years, I will always consider the Steelers to be "my team."

I enjoy your web page. Simply one of the best I've run across for the Steelers. I especially liked the story on Jack Lambert from Sports Illustrated. Brings back a lot of great memories. I remember as a young girl watching him practice at St. Vincent in Latrobe, PA. Nothin' compares to seeing the Steelers... nothing comes close.

Thanks for an awesome web page. Keep up the great work!

Sincerely
Robin Fermin
Fayetteville, NC



Submitted by Mead132810856
I'll never forget the images of Lambert lining up at middle linebacker and barking out the defensive schemes and him not having any front teeth. What a true linebacker! He was truly the greatest linebacker of all time.



Submitted by John Jewett
I personally think the best middle linebackers of all time had to have been Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert, and Ray Nitchke. All three of these players had great aggression and loved the game. They all hit their opponents so hard which is why I like to watch their highlights. As a fellow football player and middle linebacker, I respect them and am trying to follow in their footsteps.

John J.
Indiana



Submitted by Lambert810
SIMPLY PUT ,JACK LAMBERT IS THE GREATEST LINEBACKER TO GRACE THE GRIDIRON.



Submitted by Scott Hodgson
First of all, I would like to commend you on your EXCELLENT site. I grew up in the Mon-Valley area IDOLIZING 'ole Jack. I can remember playing midget league football in the early to late seventies being disappointed that the numbers on our uniforms didn't go up to #58. Every kid's dream was to BE Jack Lambert. At our banquets, a couple of Steelers would come and speak and sign autographs. I met a ton of them during those years. In '75, the two Steelers were supposed to be Jack Lambert and John Kolb. To our dismay, Jack had to cancel at the last minute and they sent Lynn Swann. We were like, "Who the hell is Lynn Swann?" They even misspelled his name "Swan" on the banner behind the two Steelers. This was obviously before his spectacular catch in the Super Bowl against Dallas. I grew up playing high school and college ball... refusing to play anything but linebacker in the tradition of Jack Lambert with a touch of Ham and Russell. Truely the greatest trio of linebackers EVER! If anyone out there has the pic of Jack in the first Superbowl against Dallas (the one where he's gritting his teeth in front of Staubach, please send it to me so I can make some wallpaper out of it.

#58 RULEZ!!!



Submitted by Mike McFarlin
Last year (or the year before), I was watching "Inside the NFL" and Chris Collinsworth told a story about his first encounter with Jack. He was a rookie, in his first game against the mighty Steelers. He ran a pattern across the middle, and Lambert nearly knocked him out. Looking up, Collingsworth saw Lambert growl down to him, "Collinswoth, don't you ever come across here again!" Collinsworth made his way back to the huddle with a grin on his face. His teammates wondered what the grin was about since he just got flattened. He explained, "Jack Lambert knows my name!".

Mike McFarlin



Submitted by Iron00Fist@aol.com
I feel like I've died and gone to Black and Gold heaven! I just recently joined America OnLine and have been surfing the Net looking for information on my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. I took the day off work today to do just that, pumping myself up for the game. I just happened to stumble on the Steelers Fan Ring. Yours is the 2nd site I've visited, and I was blown away. I saw your tribute to my all-time favorite player, Jack Lambert. I still have my original copy of the S.I. article. It's framed and hanging on the wall with all my Steeler Stuff. My wife calls it my Altar. Anyway, I printed Jack's Hall Of Fame acceptance speech. It's going on the wall next to the magazine... thanks so much!!! I'll be visiting your website often. Here we go Steelers, here we go!



Submitted by night.ranger
I've been looking for a Lambert site for awhile. This is by way the best Lambert site I've ever seen! Thank you for putting this page up. I've been Lambert fan for years. Again, thank you for doing tihs tribute to best middle linebacker of all time!



Submitted by Fran Bires
McMillen and Wife,

Someone just passed along the web site about Jack Lambert to me. It made my day. I had no idea that this site existed and it is much needed. I found it very interesting that he informed me of the web site today because of what happened to me last night. I coach football and I was trying to get my kids pumped up and said, "if someone shows me some intensity and good tackling, you'll earn the Lambert award." One kid looked at me and said, "The what award."

I don't know if I have anything for your site, but I want to first of all thank you for putting it together. It is now a bookmark on my computer. Lambert was indeed my favorite player. Actually, he was a favorite of many of my friends, so much that we started a group and we called ourselves "Lambert's Lunatics." My buddies and I were from Aliquippa and went to Hopewell High School. If you were a Lambert fan, then you saw the banners that hung in the same location in Three Rivers Stadium throughout the years. We had t-shirts and jackets and Annual Lambert Picnics in our hometown. The picnics started the football season off and they attracted a couple hundred people.

I still have my t-shirts and jacket. I went to all of the games and was in charge of hanging the banner in the stadium. Oh the memories!!! They grow fonder all the time especially with the eventual tearing down of Three Rivers Stadium.

Again, thanks for putting together such a tremendous site for such a tremendous football player.



Submitted by Gunnery Sergeant Bonar
I have been a dedicated Lambert fan since he first signed with the Steelers. I followed his career from my youth, to working for National Steel Weirton Mill, to the United States Marine Corps. I am currently a Drill Instructor at Officers Candidates School at Quantico, Va. My son is 11 years of age and plays middle linebacker (as I did). He has chosen Jack Lambert as his role model (again, as I did). I have told him of the NFL highlight film shown on ESPN of Mr. Lambert. He hangs on each word as I describe it to him. He told me after practice last week if he could just see that film, he knows he would play better. He is quite a good player, as the other teams quickly double-team him after the 5th or 6th defensive play. But he knows seeing this film would help make him better. Being a Drill Instructor takes much time away from me to spend with my family as it is. When I can do something extra special for them I will stop at nothing, as Jack never did, nor the Steelers, nor the Marines. So I am dedicated to get him this film clip and all info on Mr. Lambert as possible. There are no role models in today's world that can compare with Jack Lambert. His dedication and intensity and honor are of no question. I want to be able to show my son why he is my role model and how through hard work, dedication, and overcoming life's obstacles he can achieve his goals as Jack Lambert achieved his. Sorry if I am rambling but us Marines get fired up sometimes!!! Please, anyone with information or help in getting this film or other type of references, help me! I also was wondering if Jack Lambert still had his Linebacker summer camp going? Thanks for your time.

Dedicated Dad and Lambert Fan
Gunnery Sergeant Bonar
Semper Fi




Submitted by Eric Bradish
My most vivid memories of #58 are:

1. I think it was a playoff game against the Oilers. Houston had the ball near the goal line, and gave it to Campbell. Jack met him head on... what a collision! They seemed to freeze at the moment of contact for a second, then Earl fell backwards (as did Jack). Earl wobbled off the field, Jack shook the cobwebs out and stayed in.

2. Jack throwing that a**h*le Cliff Harris to the ground after he taunted Gerela for his missed FG in the SuperBowl. The Steelers had been playing a little lethargic up to that point, and Jack's reaction seemed to ignite them.



Submitted by Mark H.
MR. LAMBERT, WITHOUT A DOUBT, WAS THE GREATEST MIDDLE LINEBACKER TO EVER PLAY THE GAME. HE DOESN'T JUST DESERVE HIS OWN WING IN THE HALL OF FAME... HE DESERVES THE WHOLE DAMN BUILDING.

Mark H.



Submitted by Lambert810@aol.com
If you look up the word "great" in the the dictionary, you will find Jack Lambert's picture. He is simply the best middle linebacker to ever walk on the gridiron.



Submitted by Stephen Lang
Jack Lambert defines what Steeler Football has always been; hard nosed, blue collar, meat and potatoes... for the love of the game.



Submitted by Steelrz58@aol.com
Jack Lambert without question was and will always be the best middle linebacker to ever play the game. The way Lambert use to decimate opposing QB's and running backs was simply brutal. I remember watching a game when the STEELERS were taking on the BROWNS, and QB Brian Sipe tried to scramble to the outside. Sipe pumped the ball once and was met in tornado fashion by, who else?... The Vampire!!! Lambert hit Sipe so hard, Brian went to the STEELERS bench instead of his own. There are so many great hits, but that shot from a 220 pound M.L.B was just way outside the normal realm of that position. LAMBERT played against all the odds. God help you if JACK said something and you did not believe him. He will always be my favorite player... without question!!!

steelerz58



Submitted by Thomas Bragg
In all my years of watching professional football, I've never seen a player give more of himself on the football field than Jack Lambert. This man put on a clinic every single time he stepped onto the field. Jack played the game with a major chip on his shoulder, and he would dare any man to knock it off. Needless to say, no man ever did.

When Jack stepped onto the field, it was if he was going to war and the opposing team was the enemy... in Jack's eyes it was kill or be killed, and their was no way on earth that Jack was going to be killed. This may sound a bit drastic, but that's the way Jack Lambert played the game.

The man played with a vengence and a reckless abandon that has never been matched to this day. Jack proved that a player playing the position of middle linebacker doesn't have to weigh 250 lbs. to be effective. The most Lambert ever weighed in his career was around 220 lbs., and he was never really a physically imposing player. But when it came to heart and sheer determination, no man playing at that time could carry his jock strap! Sometimes I think when God sat down and designed a football player, when it came to linebacker, the image of Jack Lambert was the blueprint that was used.

One final point I would like to make is that some football historians regard Dick Butkis as not only the greatest linebacker ever, but the greatest all around football player that ever lived . To that I say, as great as Dick Butkis was, he was a one dimensional linebacker... he was a great run stuffer and a good pass rusher, but nothing more. Look at any old film footage of Butkis in action and I guarantee you won't see him dropping into pass coverage covering wide receivers and tight ends. This is the very reason if I am building an NFL defense and I have the choice of either Jack Lambert or Dick Butkis, with out a doubt, it's gotta be Lambert. Mr. Lambert was truly the complete package when it came to the position of inside linebacker. If you wanted a run stuffer, he was it. If you wanted a pass rusher he was that, too. And if you needed him to drop into pass coverage and cover a running back coming out of the backfield ,he was the man that could do it! My personal conclusion is that Jack Lambert was the greatest linebacker to ever step on a football field ... BAR NONE!

Thomas D. Bragg



Submitted by Nat LaBorde
Jack Lambert is what every football player wants to be when he grows up...




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