Jack Lambert, Kent State (Football)
Jack Lambert is considered by many as one of the greatest football players in Kent State history and his jersey (No.99) was retired on May 5, 1977. He came to Kent State as quarterback, moved to defensive end in 1971, then was placed at middle linebacker by then head coach Don James in 1972. Lambert had banner year in 1972 in leading Kent State to the school’s first MAC football championship and was named the MAC’s “Defensive Player of the Year” in 1972 as he led the league in tackles with a total of 233 and was also named MVP at the 1972 Tangerine Bowl.
Lambert was twice named First Team All-MAC in 1972 and 1973. He was squad captain of the 1973 team that finished with most wins (9) in school’s history. Lambert finished his Kent State career with 593 tackles, second highest total in school’s history. He played in 1973 All-Ohio Shrine game in Columbus, 1974 North-South game in Miami, Fla., and 1974 American Bowl in Tampa, Fla.
Born July 8, 1952 in Ravenna, Ohio, Lambert was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft. He was a cornerstone of the Steeler defense that led the team to record four Super Bowl triumphs since 1975. He was twice selected United Press International (UPI) Defensive Player of the Year (1976 & 1979) and named All-Pro six times and played in the 1980 Pro Bowl in Hawaii for the American Football Conference (AFC).
Lambert was named top defensive player by Associated Press in 1976 and was AP’s Rookie Defensive Player of the year in 1974. He was the first recipient of the Cleveland Touchdowns Club’s NFL Player of the Year Award in 1977. A native of Mantua, Ohio, where he was a three-sport letterman in football (3), baseball (4), and basketball (2) at Crestwood High School. Lambert returned to the school in October 1980 for dedication ceremonies as community named football facility the “Jack Lambert Stadium”.
