30 greatest NFL defensive players of all-time

29. Jack Lambert, Middle Linebacker

If Michael Strahan were the gap-toothed terror, Jack Lambert would be the barely-toothed behemoth. Jack Lambert and his signature in-game snarl featuring four missing front teeth terrorized and intimidated opponents from the middle linebacker position where he made a reputation of lighting up receivers coming over the middle of the field.

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Initially thought too small to play in the NFL, the 6’4, (rookie year listed) 204-pound Lambert would use his speed to be the classic middle linebacker in the Tampa Two defense for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would cover and destroy any receiver that dared to roam into his zone of the field. He would end his 11-year career with 28 interceptions and 1,479 tackles.

Lambert’s list of accomplishments is fitting for a player who was a critical cog of four Super Bowl teams. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and later won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. He was also named to two NFL All-Decade teams (1970s and 1980s) and was a part of the NFL’s 75^th Anniversary All-Time Team.

After nine Pro Bowl and six First-team All-Pro selections, Lambert was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Next: The All-time Ball Hawk