Mel Blount
Mel Blount: Hall of Fame cornerback, Steelers legend, and founder of the Mel Blount Youth Home.
Melvin Cornell Blount (born April 10, 1948) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. A five-time Pro Bowler, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
- Pro Bowl Selections:
- 5 (source states five-time Pro Bowler; specific years not given in source)
- All-Pro Honors:
- All-Pro acclaim in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1981 (source does not specify First-Tea
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Blount played college football for the Southern Jaguars. He is considered one of the best cornerbacks to have ever played in the NFL. His physical style of play made him one of the most feared defensive backs in the game at a time when pass interference rules were less stringent. He founded the Mel Blount Youth Home.
In Their Own Story
Blount had 57 interceptions in his career; he returned them for 736 yards and two touchdowns. He intercepted at least one pass in all 14 NFL seasons and led the league in interceptions with 11 in 1975. Blount also was used as a kickoff returner early in his career, totaling 36 returns for 911 yards and a 25.3-yard average. He also recovered 13 opponents' fumbles, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Blount, who was named the NFL's most valuable defensive player in 1975 by the Associated Press, earned All-Pro acclaim in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1981. He also was a four-time All-AFC selection and played in five Pro Bowls. His fumble recovery in the 1979 AFC Championship Game led to the Steelers' winning touchdown in a 27–13 victory over the Houston Oilers. Earlier in Super Bowl XIII, Blount's interception began a Pittsburgh drive which resulted in a go-ahead touchdown in a 35–31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Reader's Guide
Blount was a third-round draft choice of the Steelers in 1970. He became a starter in 1972 and did not allow a single touchdown that season. He had 57 interceptions in his career, returning them for 736 yards and two touchdowns. He led the league in interceptions with 11 in 1975. He was named the NFL's most valuable defensive player in 1975 by the Associated Press. He earned All-Pro acclaim in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1981. He also was a four-time All-AFC selection and played in five Pro Bowls.
Did You Know?
- Blount was a Pro-Scouts All-American pick as both safety and cornerback at Southern University.
- The Mel Blount Rule was named after him after rule changes made his bump-and-run style illegal.
- He recovered 13 opponents' fumbles, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
- His fumble recovery in the 1979 AFC Championship Game led to the Steelers' winning touchdown.
- Blount was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary All-Time team in 1994 and the NFL 100th Anniversary All Time Team in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mel Blount?
Mel Blount was a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who became one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history during his career from 1970 to 1983. He is best known as a central figure of the legendary Steel Curtain defense that dominated the league throughout the 1970s.
What was Mel Blount's playing style?
Playing cornerback, Blount revolutionized the position with an aggressive, physical style that often intimidated opposing receivers before they even caught the ball. His tenacity allowed him to dominate coverage without relying solely on speed, setting a new standard for defensive backs.
How many Super Bowls did Mel Blount win?
He anchored the secondary during four Super Bowl victories, helping secure championships in 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979. These wins cemented his legacy as a champion who performed at the highest level when it mattered most.
What individual awards did Mel Blount earn?
Blount earned eight Pro Bowl selections between 1972 and 1980, highlighting his consistent excellence over more than a decade. Additionally, he was named a First-Team All-Pro four consecutive times from 1972 through 1975.
Why is Mel Blount important to Steelers history?
His presence allowed the team to build an impenetrable defense that became known as the Steel Curtain, defining an era of Pittsburgh football dominance. He remains a Hall of Famer whose impact on how cornerbacks play physically changed the game permanently.
More in Legendary Players & Coaches
Elsewhere in the Pittsburgh Steelers universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record