Mel Blount was a four-sport athlete at Lyons Industrial High School before becoming one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game. He excelled as a prep star after mastering the “Country Football” style his seven older brothers instilled in him and earned a scholarship to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Blount was twice named Southwestern Athletic Conference MVP and earned Pro Scouts All-American as a safety and cornerback before graduating in 1970. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Blount with the 53rd overall pick in the NFL Draft, and he earned the starting job in 1972 and held the role for 12 years. Blount led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 1975 and was the league’s Defensive MVP. He was a three-time All-Pro selection and four-time Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Blount’s physical style prompted the NFL to change its rules in 1978 to prevent contact with receivers beyond five yards of the line of scrimmage. He finished his professional career with 57 total interceptions. In 1989, Blount was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 1991, he was named one of the Eight National Heroes by the U.S. News and World Report for his impact off the field. He was selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994.
