The cornerback who changed the rules of NFL football — Mel Blount's physical dominance at cornerback was so overwhelming that the NFL introduced the five-yard chuck rule specifically to limit his ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. Four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His size, physicality and instincts redefined what a cornerback could be and his influence is still felt in how the modern defensive back position is coached.
Melvin Cornell Blount was born in Vidalia, Georgia in 1948. The Steelers selected him in the third round of the 1970 Draft. His physical style of press coverage was so dominant — using his size and strength to redirect receivers for 40 yards — that the NFL introduced the 5-yard chuck rule specifically to limit him. He won four Super Bowls. He recorded 57 career interceptions — among the most by any cornerback. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989. He later opened a youth home in Pennsylvania.
Super Bowl 4x
Career Honours
- Super Bowl 4x
- Defensive Player of Year 1975
- Pro Bowl 5x