Ronnie Lott Biography

An All-American defensive back at the University of Southern California in 1980, Lott was chosen by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1981 NFL draft.

He started at cornerback for six seasons, leading the league with 10 interceptions in 1986. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Lott, a very hard hitter, was moved to free safety the following season. He became a free agent in 1991 and signed with the Oakland Raiders, who used him at strong safety. Lott again led the NFL in interceptions with 8 in 1991. He joined the New York Jets as a free agent in 1993. He retired after the 1994 season.

Ronnie Lott has been a defensive star from the moment he joined the 49ers in 1981, his dedication and fierce, all-out style of play have inspired his teammates. As a rookie, Lott started all 16 games, earned All-Pro honors and played in his first Pro Bowl. A four time Super Bowl champion, Lott played in 10 Pro Bowls. He ranks fifth on the NFL all time interception list

He lead the league in 1986 and 1991, while registering over 1,000 tackles throughout his illustrious 14-year career. Besides his obvious physical skills, Lott was much respected as a team leader. He was an All-Pro at three positions, as a cornerback in 1981, a free safety in 1987 and 1990, and a strong safety in 1991. He was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary team in 1995.

In a memorable NFL career Ronnie Lott led by exemple, he was always known as a fierce competitor. He earned the reputation of being one of the hardest hitting defensive backs in NFL history. He also earned the respect of those who played against him and with him, as well as the fans around the country. Lott was the heart and soul of the 49ers. On the field, he was constantly screaming to his teammates to play harder. Off the field he was just as vocal, a leader in the club house and a man willing to help younger players who were struggling. Leaders like Ronnie Lott bring out the best in those around them, and in his 14 years in the NFL he helped other football players become winners.

During his 14 bone-jarring NFL seasons as a steely-eyed defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders, and New York Jets, Ronnie Lott was the portrait of uncompromising tenacity. He slammed into runners, disrupted pass patterns, and separated ball carriers from footballs. No opponent who met Lott on a football field forgot the introduction. Asked once to describe the style with which he delivered a defensive blow, he said simply, "It comes from your toes, it comes from your soul, it comes from all that you are."

When Lott, one of the greatest defensive backs ever, quietly strolled to the podium Saturday July 29, 2000 in Canton, Ohio, on the occasion of his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he stepped out of game-day character to pause for quiet reflection.

He said he had some thanks to express. He immediately turned his attention to the 106 Hall of Fame members who were in attendance for the ceremony. "As I stand here in the huddle of greatness," he said, "I feel so much of your spirit. This is truly awesome a gathering of football legends. You were my inspiration. There are many giants who allowed me to stand on their shoulders to achieve success," he added. "No truly great achievement is ever the result of purely individual effort. This is particularly true of professional football-the ultimate team sport. A football player can only realize his full potential with the support of his teammates, with the teaching and encouragement of his coaches, and from the challenge presented by his opponent on the field."

Away from football Ronnie Lott is very different from his highly agressive on-field persona which fuled his reputation. What you see instantly is a soft-spoken man who has given of his money and perhaps more importantly his time to a variety of charities. A very special player, a very special man.

Some of his accomplishments are:

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; 2000'
Ten-time Pro Bowl selection at three different positions
Four-time Super Bowl champion as a member of the San Francisco 49ers
Member of the NFL?s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
Member of the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team
Named to Pro Football Hall of Fame's 1980's All-Decade Team
Holds the NFL postseason career record for most interceptions
Holds 49ers records for most career interceptions and interceptions in a season