JACK
LAMBERT

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

I remember two situations:
1) Against Brian Sipe (QB-Browns). After Sipe's hit Lambert figth against all the the brown's bench.
2) Against Oilers in monday nigth game. Earl Campbell ran only 5 yards all the nigth.

Long live Steelers. Thanks for the memories.

Ernesto Lazcano
Mexico City

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)

All of the clich s 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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Jack Lambert was more then a man, but less than 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

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

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

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

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 catches 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!!!

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

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 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!

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.

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

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.

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

Thanks for your legacy...

MR LAMBERT, I am a Mexican 45 years old, and never had the opportunity to do what I love... play football. But thanks to you, I can imagine what it's all about... just like you, play and see life.

God bless you and your loved ones.
Edmundo Rosales

Jack Lambert was my favorite player when I was a kid. My son is entering high school this fall and his coach told him he will be playing linebacker. I introduced him to your site so he can see what a great linebacker a player is supposed to look like

Mike Lomio,
East Hanover NJ

I remember a game against Houston when Earl Cambell was running to his right when the only MAN there to meet him was Jack Lambert. They both went head on. Those 42-inch legs were no match to my childhood hero, Jack Lambert. It's the only time I saw Earl drop like a a sack of potatoes against one MAN. Dead in his tracks. Mr. Lambert is etched in my mind as a fierce warrior of his day. I would any day share a foxhole aginst any enemy with Jack. I pity the enemy! Thank you for being my role model against the strong. None shall pass.

I am a big Steelers fan. I go to school in Cheyenne Wyoming. Thats a long way from Pittsburgh. I need some of your Pittsburgh Steelers stats. All different ones. This is my first e-mail I have ever written. Could Jake Lambert write me back?

Your biggest FAN,
Andy

P.S. -- I don't have my own e-mail address please e-mail me at Kaumok@laramie.k12.wy.us

Dear Mc n Wife

Great site. I am trying to remember when this happened I think it was 1977 78 not sure. They will play the scene from it on NFL films on NFL Network or ESPN sometimes. It was the games when Jack Lambert had a hand or arm cast I cant remember which one but it was all taped up and looked like a club. I can remember the one scene of him clubbing someone with his hand in the wrapped up cast looking thing really hard. Am I just imagining this or do you know which game this was and do you have any stills of it. I looked in your picture thumbnails. That to me would be one of the ultimate pictures of that era. Well maybe that and the Cleveland Browns bench jumping Jack in 1983. Those would be killer pictures.

I am sad to see how football is nowadays. I didn't like the realignment as well with the Ravens in the division because I thought it cut into the real rivalry. The thing i dont like the most is how all the players act all buddy buddy now. I really remember watching football in the mid 1980s and Browns Steelers games were about HATRED disgust and loathing. You didn't see everyone acting all buddy buddy after the game. For whatever reason the NO FUN LEAGUE didn't like that and now has everyone trying to be civil which is no fun at all.

I think the reason Jack Lamberts still a legend is because he understood the rivalry and genuinely treated the Browns especially as mortal enemies. Greg Lloyd did too and Joey Porter does but for whatever reason the hatred is just not like it was then. Even in 1985 1986 87 when the Steelers were down on their luck it was a better rivalry than now.

I can say without a doubt, Jacks the best of any linebacker who played the game. The NFL has nobody close who played like Lambert, NOBODY! They play anymore for the love of money, HOLD OUT OF CAMP because they cannot get there millions of dollars they are crying for, Jack would have played for free. The love for the great game of football is gone among most players, whenever the game is over, you will notice how clean the players are, no blood stains, just white, no mud, dirt, and all out toughness. When I played for the church league in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I had the same mindset as lambert, to be the best, meanest, and smart.

Jack, Thanks for the memories,
John Wimmer

To: McMillen and wife,
I hope you will forward the to Mr. Lambert

Hi, my name is Tammy. One of my sons, Anthony, is a huge fan of Mr Lambert. He is 12 years old and has played football since he was five. He currently plays on a Pop Warner football team in Bradenton, Florida. He plays starting tailback and starting middle linebacker. He loves defense.

We have an autographed picture of Mr. Lambert in his room. The picture of him in his Steelers jersey with no front teeth is Anthony's favorite. Anthony feels this picture is the best representation of what a great linebacker should look like.Both of my sons play with toughness and heart just like Mr. Lambert.

As I grew up, I disliked Mr. Lambert because he was mean and played dirty, but I didn't realize these traits were what made a great linebacker. My son wants to play just like him. I got on your web-site to get info for a history report that my son and I were working on about Mr. Lambert and realized I could e-mail you.

I realize he probably gets many requests like this but I thought maybe Mr Lambert could e-mail or call Anthony to give him some inspiring words from one of football's greatest players.

Thanks for your consideration,
Tammy Lauro

McMillens,

My name is Randy Gates KSU football 72-76. As you know we had great success under coach James and as I look back the leadership he provided with his intense attitude was the key to Kent winning as they did. I witnessed the defense stopping Miami 3 plays inside the 5 yard line.I wish I knew first of how great a basketball player he was or I would have invited him on my championship Intramural basketball team.

I lived next door to Jack in college and was back-up tight end to Dooner and Pinkel. The memories run deep and I think as you know this man's ability to play this game was inspiring and awesome. It was amazing how James and staff put together this team that won the MAC championship and on to Tangerine bowl. Jack was a defensive end when we started 2 a days and poof ..... he becomes all-world middle linebacker weighing 205 - 208. I was there and witnessed his call from Rooney and Noll on draft day.

We all know the memories Jack made at Pittsburgh and how he solidified that defense and rightly called the Steel Curtain. Super Bowls were amazing ! Every kids dream !

Best regards,
Randy Gates

Jack Lambert got me into football. I was 15 when football caught my eye. For being a women that is, I love defense. My girlfriend and I would get Scalper tickets and go to the game. Even when I was 8 month pregnant.

Thanks,
Dianne

Please ask Jack if he remembers John Gloria (singer) from the Pirate's Cove in Hawaii during his Pro Bowl Days. He used to come in and sing "Mamama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys." We used to go out to the "Blue Water" Cafe and drink peppermint schnapps and drive around in the Porsche. Please ask him to contact me if he remembers I would love to just say hi.

Thanks
John J.Gloria

Thank you for all of the hard work you have put into your site. I enjoy it.

Growing up in Washington,PA, I have always been a Steeler fan, and espically a Jack Lambert fan. Ironically, as an adult I live and work between Kent ,Ohio and Canton,Ohio. Oh yeah, that's in the heart of Browns Country. Though it hasn't been much of a riveraly lately, I live for Steeler/Brown Sunday, and I am always amused at the prespecive my friends from the other side have of the Sipe/Lambert incodents. I usually just tell them to put on a dress. As a youngster, I always liked the way Jack Lambert used his actions, and not words, as an example. In learning about his family life, I realize now he is more of a role model NOW than he ever was as a football player.

Jim in Tallmadge, OH

Hey, I just read your Jack Lambert tribute page for the 2nd time. I was a huge steeler fan during Jack’s day and have been since 1974. He was my idol as a Linebacker and my role model on the field playing amature football.

I am so glad you took the time to really pay tribute in such a fitting way to the best middle linebacker of all time. I agree. Thanks for doing that, the spoiled pampered babies who often make it to the big’s aren’t even worthy to carry his jock strap!

Doug

Hi, I just happened upon your site and wanted to say thank you so much!! Jack was and still is my all-time favorite, no one comes close.

I started playing football at 13 yrs old, Jack Lambert was my hero. I played middle linebacker in high school. I wore no.58. Because I idolized his intensity. I received a full scholarship to the University of Western Ontario, but had to work for my family. I missed out then, but have made good for myself.

Shawn

Hi! I just wanted to say that Jack Lambert is my uncle. He is the reason why i am such a HUGE Steelers fan! I have grown up watching tapes of him and the Steelers from the 70s with Ham and Bradshaw. I think he would really appreciate this site if he saw it. This is incredible!

Kelly

I’m 43 and have lived half of my life outside the United States, but I was born and bread in Pittsburgh (Southside). My father worked at J&L, and I grew up in a truly magical era.

What I remember most vividly about my youth on Sundays after church was my dad critically explicating the persona of Jack Lambert. Dad had been born in 1921 in the Hill District. He was an athlete, followed the careers of many athletes, and he never failed to expound on the positive attributes of Jack Lambert during those hours of afternoon bliss when Myron Cope would offer up his commentary during games.

A vivid image of Mr. Lambert remains in my mind permanently fixed, an extreme rarity, an athlete who must occupy his own category, a man who exemplifies the qualities of an ancient Spartan exuberant about the impending demise of his gridiron foes. This is not a mythology of some post-modern sports hero, but a realistic sketch of all that is right with professional sport.

I was checking out your website this week. I wasn't born until 1976, so I would have unfortunately missed out on the 1970's for the most part.

Being a Bengals fan, I wished we had somebody like Jack Lambert. The closet middle linebacker that comes to mind is Bill Bergey and Paul Brown traded him off to Philly. Other than Bill and Reggie Williams, the Bengals don't really have any linebackers that are anything more than average.

Good luck on the rest of the season. I sure hope the Bengals get their act together and make something. Then again, with all the injuries and bickering, who knows what will happen. Players today are just not as professional or as tough as they used to be. Must be the society we live in.

Take care,
Chris

I was checking out your website this week. I wasn't born until 1976, so I would have unfortunately missed out on the 1970's for the most part.

Here is a picture of my new tattoo that i figured you guys on this website would enjoy...

Dan

I want to say I really admire Jack Lambert, and a true fan. You have a “GREAT” web site to honor him! I have a question, that I think most (or maybe just me, lol) fans are curious about. During the 75 year reunion, at Heinz Field, it was said that all the “living” players attended, except Jack Lambert. It was noted that Chuck Noll was absent also. Like the old saying goes, “Inquiring minds would like to know” why he didn’t attend?

Thanks,
Jon Johnson

Howdy from Texas,

Your site is my #1 site to get the feel of Steeler fans and I stumbled upon the link to your Top 30 Steelers page after finding the Lambert Tribute page on your website and the Top 30 appears to have been written around the late ‘90s. I was thinking about who you’d have to drop off the list if you updated it today and thought it’d be better to just expand it. Swannie’s in the Hall so now it’s time to update LC and Donnie, and probably Dwight White, with the what the heck are they waiting for sublinks.

Good luck keeping it at 30 if you update.

Enjoy the game today,
Joseph Howell Burton

Live in western KY. I have been a Steelers fan since Franco reception against Oakland. Just wanted you to know that I like your site & Lambert is my favorite player of all time.

Greg West

I am a Huge Lambert fan and I have been wanting a #58 tribute tattoo for a long time and I found it when I came to your webpage. Thank you!

I am a Pittsburgh Native,Moved to Florida in 84.I still get back to the Burg every year to visit my pops.I have been a die hard Steeler fan all of my life.Growing up in the 70s I got to see Steeler football at its finest.I really liked to watch Jack Lambert play.He played with intensity that could never be matched by todays players.

I decided after seeing his Portrat on your tribute page to get a tattoo of his image.

Steeler for life
John Vavrek

Hey guys, just found your page by acciedent looking for stats on Mr. Lambert. I'm glad I did. Every link I can think of about the Steelers is rite here. Great job, keep up the good work!! I now have your page bookmarked. Go Steelers.

Dave

As a child you grow up hearing and fearing unknown monsters you've dreamed of. You are more than scared to admit that vampire movies really made you lose more than a wink of sleep. Then you realize as you grow into manhood, all was just immature fodder. As a grown man with many battles already fought, being victorious in most makes you feel confident. Then one day God calls upon and says "you are going to face Jack Lambert for all the chips" you dig into yourself as a man and a child trying to decide which one you REALLY are. If you are in any doubt of either, then it wasn't God who called you out....It was Jack Lambert.

I just want to say that ever since I was a little boy, I've dreamed of playing in the NFL, but I always thought I wasn't good enough. Until one day I saw this man on TV and his name was Jack Lambert and when I watched him play he inspired me to become the best player I can be and to make me believe in myself that I can play in the NFL. I think that every little kid dreams of becoming a football player like Jack Lambert, I mean he plays the game with so much Love and Passion its incredible. I just want to say thanks for being such an inspiration to all of us and god bless you.

Do you think it's possable to send Jack a note? I have not talked to him in 20 years. I retired to Hawaii where we met, I always thought he would too. If there is a God you will give him my email. I know he will remember me, unless he REALLY hurt his head!!! I've always known him for his love of poetry. Rod McCuen was popular in the 70's, and he read plenty!

Please.
Nancy Holm

Dear Tim,

First off let me tell you that your website is far and away the best I have seen in regards to our beloved Black N Gold. Every year, myself and three buddies compose a list of college players that we would want the Steelers to draft. If one of those players are actually chosen by the Steelers you receive a mini helmet where that player went to school and it is displayed proudly in the basement where we all watch the game.

This year I am composing a title page for my picks and am adorning it with photos of Steelers greats in their college uniforms. I am having problems finding a few, like Lambert (Kent State), Lloyd (Fort Valley State), Blount (Southern), Dawson (Kentucky), Gildon (Oklahoma State) and Kirkland (Clemson). I was wondering if you knew of a site that might help me. I have tried the search engine route and come up empty for these guys. Well anyways, I appreciate your time and the website is just awesome, keep up the great work! Go Steelers!!!!!

Mark Dombrowski

I only played junior high and high school football but I have to seize this opportunity to pay tribute to my all time football idol. I too was a Linebacker and played during the late `70's and early `80's when Jack and the Steelers were so great and dominant. Jack was my hero and my example. He was the one player I was most inspired by and aspired to play like. His top knotch character off the field and his reputation for being a gentleman and just a real stand up guy made him all the more credible. Thanks Jack for a great legacy!

Rick Redmond, Chicago

Jack lambert is gifted middle linebacker that always led by example. His actions spoke louder than his words. Even today, in retirement, he didn't become a T.V. talking head or sell some weight loss fad diets, like so many others, instead, he retired quietly to the Western Pennsylvania countryside, to raise a family, with simple values. His humble nature and refusal, almost irritation, at allowing others to praise him, in my opinion, was the key to his success and his ability to stay focused.

He played with a now legendary intensity and precision and he made few mental errors, during a game. He has always been a role model, even in later years and Jack Lambert has always been a role model to me.

I grew up in Pittsburgh and the Steelers became a part of me, forever. I once met Mr. Lambert at a local high school track, during my playing days at a small western Pennsylvania , division three college. I was working out, in June, 1979 and we ran some laps together. I talked to him about Hunting and Fishing, anything other than football, because I thought he was not interested , as he was trying to relax in his offseason ( after winning a fourth Superbowl that year and another trip to the Pro bowl).

When the subject did turn to football, he talked to me at great length and with interest, in my experiences, playing division three football. I remember thinking to myself, "here is a man who just came off, winning his fourth Super bowl and his eighth trip to the Pro Bowl and he is talking to me about division three college football ! " It occurred to me that that he is a humble man that loved the game, at all levels. The great ones do.

I have been in law enforcement, for 27 years and I'm getting close to retirement. Throughout my career, I always remembered that meeting, with Mr. Lambert and I have always tried to treat others as fairly as they will allow me. I have always tried to give 110 percent in my occupation and when the going got tough, I would always think to myself " I'm from western Pennsylvania, Steeler Country." Although, I have lived in several states, I am proud of my steel country, blue collar roots. I have been in security roles, with presidents, Vice Presidents, Dignitaries, movie stars and have friends who went on to play in the NFL. But, I met Jack Lambert.

I work with Shelton Robinson a great inside linebacker, who played for the 1982 -1986 Seattle Seahawks. I have a picture of Mr. Lambert on my locker and Shelton and I always light heartedly argue about the best NFL Inside Linebacker...He argues that it's Butkus.... but I forgive him, as he didn't grow up in Pittsburgh.

In closing, thank you for your great website and thank you Mr. Lambert, for leading by example and inspiring people from all walks of life, to work hard, stay focused and to also be a positive example to others. I remember, during the Steelers trip to the Super Bowl a few years ago, during media week, one of the journalists asked Coach Cowher , what Steeler inspired him the most, naturally the kid who grew up in Pittsburgh replied "Jack Lambert."

David DeLuca
Seattle, Washington

Congratulations; i visit your interesant web site.

i am a steelers fan ; a steelers fan since the 70's; jack lambert for me was a model player, and a biggest linebacker. the great team of the steelers was the great team of jack lambert.... My english is limited,but i send you congratulations from Mexico.

Best wishes
Enrique Aguilera
Leon,Gto. Mexico

Hey all, my name is Steve McCartney. I grew up just south of Pittsburgh in Eighty-Four, PA. Born in 1966 and enjoyed the wonderful 70's as a Steeler fan. I met Jack Lambert and Lynn Swann at an autograph signing at my uncle's Chrysler dealership.

I asked Jack Lambert who was dirtier, the Steelers or Raiders? He looked me in the eyes ( I was a 112 lb. 16 yr. old) and said, " The Raiders are a bunch of sissies! They are terrified of the Steelers! Coach Noll makes sure we bite, scratch, kick, and squeeze in that pile! We are tougher, meaner, harder hitting, and the most intimidating team in the league! Does that answer your question Steve?"

Of course, Lynn Swann swore up and down that that wasn't true and that the Steelers never did any of that but those were the best things a Steeler fan could hear.

I had the luck of meeting many of those super Steelers, but that meeting with Mr. Lambert was the most memorable for me. It cemented my belief that Jack Lambert was the toughest football player ever.

Thanks for the great articles on Lambert. He is by far my favorite player of all time. I had a brief encounter with Mr. Lambert when I was about 5 years old I would like to share with you. I don't remember the exact year, but if I had to guess I would guess 1980.

My parents took My brother and I (he would have been about 8 yrs old) along with my little sister to Latrobe during training camp. It was a rare trip for us all the way from St. Marys Pa. After practice was over all the players(except Bradshaw) were spead out signing autographs. We didn't have anything for them to sign, so my mother removed our school report cards from her purse and we quickly started handing them to players to sign. There was a large crowd gathered around a loading dock or flat bed trailer, I cant remember which, but I remember it was an elevated platform. On top of that platform stood Jack Lambert.

The crowd was at least 30 rows deep and shoulder to shoulder. My brother and I tried and tried to make our way to the front but we were getting knocked around and had to retreat. Standing on the outside of the crowd with our report card held high we heard a very loud intimidating voice yell out "Let those 2 little kids through" the crowd parted and we made our way up to the front.

Lambert was yelling at people not to touch his feet. His feet freaked me out a little bit, he was wearing open toed sandals and I remember his toe was all bruised. My turn came up and I handed him my school report card to sign. He took it and looked it over intently,smiled signed it and said keep up the good grades. I smiled back, retrieved my report card and ran back to my parents as proud as ever.

From that point forward the #58 was my favorite number. It s funny to think that this little moment in time he would never remember,yet I will never forget. Maybe I was one of the few who seen the softer side of Jack.

Thank you and God Bless,
Terry Cole

My son's middle name is Lambert, after the greatest hall of fame middle linebacker of all time.

Hi; My sister just sent me a Jack Lambert video tribute, and I also stumbled onto your website. Great work! Looks like a lot of work too. I grew up in Pittsburgh, got stuck here southwest of Cleveland, but you never lose your roots. I go to 30 Pirate games a year at pnc. I'll keep watching your site during the playoffs and I've also sent it to my boys. Good luck with it... just wanted to tell you what a nice job you've done with it.

Go Steelers!!
Mike
Columbia Station, Ohio

I remember watching the Steelers play in the 70"s and early 80"s when i was young. Jack Lambert was always my favorite player. Where is he today? What is he up to? I would love to meet Jack in person. Hope to hear back from you. Thank you. Tom.

This is my tribute to the best linebackers period! It took 10 hours complete, 7 hours for the first sitting, and 3 for the last. All done in Black White, with the only colors that matter on Jacks helmet! I am 39 years old, and grew up watching these 2 wreak havoc on QB's! Enjoy.

P.S.- Sent the pic to Lambert and he autographed it for me. Met Ham in person in West Mifflin last month, he was speechless!

Black & Gold 4 ever! Good Old Three Rivers in there for old times sake!

Ohh also the artist is a Clowns fan, priceless! Excellent artist, poor judgement of team! LOL!

Kevin Cousino

Hello! I was searching for some information about Jack Lambert to settle an argument/bet and I came across your fantastic site. WOW! What a GREAT site! I have been back three days in a row. I have sent the web address around to my friends also. Thank you so much for your time and effort.

Best...
Phil in Pittsburgh

remember Jack Lambert as a young, lanky, nice guy. He lived across the street in Mantua, Ohio. This would have been around 1967-68. My dad had been his middle school principal. His parents had a greenhouse/flower shop. Jack must have been a sophomore in High School. I was in the eighth grade. He would come over to play tackle football in the back yard with all the neighbor kids. I sometimes babysat for his younger siblings, Betsy and Howie, if I remember right.

He was always a gentle and gentlemanly guy. He would just tickle me and laugh whenever I ended up under the huge dog pile of neighbor kids. We always thought that it was funny that he could never catch my little sister, Mona who was a tiny little thing, and fast! All the kids thought he was great. He was good friends with my cousin Homer Decker who lived with us that year.

I am glad he grew up to be so successful. He deserves it all!!! My husband brags to everyone that his wife used to play football with the greatest middle linebacker of all time!!!

Congratulations Jack Lambert!!!
Dee Decker Lorimer

Hi My name is Kirk Cryan and I saw your website on Jack Lambert and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I am 49 years old and have waited a while to express my thanks to him and the Pittsburgh Steelers, because during my Football playing days in the 1960's and 1970's I was a Fullback for the Sealy Tigers also playing middle linebacker, just like Jack. I was a blocking fullback for hof'r Eric Dickerson and also called the defensive plays. We had a great team.

I will admit, I idolized Jack and played the game with utmost wreckless abandon, just the like the greatest linebacker, in my mind, of all time. I will very much tell my testimony, if you will find the time to listen. Im sure there are alot of stories, and Im sure you've heard them all, but one like mine will just add to the legend, who defined the position, Jack Lambert. My phone number is here in Houston, Texas..(XXX) XXX-XXXX please feel free to call me if interested. I've waited 31 years to tell someone.

Kirk

Hello McMillens:

Just wanted to comment on the web-site. GREAT, I am 60 tears old and probably one of the craziest STEELER FANS of ALL times. I grew up in Fox Chapel two doors down from Jacks first Home as a Rookie. he actually purchased property from my cousin Do Do Charles Brusco on Shirl Drive / Rose Crest Manor , FOX CHAPEL and built his home at the end of the Cultasack. We used to go and watch him sit on his tailgate and clean his Hunting & Fishing gear, play a little football and shoot the shit. I was not actually on of the Lambert Lunatics but was always up there near the Banner for every home game. Half Drunk, Of Course...

I do have an Autographed Jersey from Jack ( Black One ) Long Sleeve that I keep on the wall in the Game Room, I don't think he ever wore a Short Sleeve Jersey so ALL these replicas of his # 58 are great to have but to have a Long Sleeve one is SPECIAL.

Just saw the site and thought I would comment. Once again Great STEELER Page. Have a great day: and as always: GO STEELERS, Kick some ASS in DALLAS....

Gerald F. Ioli

Im 47yrs old lived on the eastcoast in reading PA.when the Steelers won ther 1st superbowl.i always yell what are these NFL players crying about bunch of sissy boys. But thats because i have LAMBERT in my head! The BEST ML ever! We need to clone this man!