Blount, Melvin
Football
b. April 10, 1948, Vidalia, GA
After playing defensive back at Southern University, Blount (pronounced "Blunt") joined the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970. He became a major part of the "Steel Curtain" defense that led the Steelers to Super Bowl victories that brought them the league's 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979 championships.
Though he didn't have great speed, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Blount was an expert at analyzing pass patterns and a very aggressive defender who moved to the ball quickly, either to make an interception or to hit the receiver as soon as the pass arrived.
Blount led the NFL in interceptions with 11 in 1975. During his 14-year career, he played in 5 Pro Bowls and was an all-conference choice at defensive back 3 consecutive years, from 1975 through 1977.
Blount had 57 career interceptions and returned them for 736 yards, a 12.9 average, scoring 3 touchdowns. He also returned 36 kickoffs for 911 yards, a 25.3 average.
Blount retired after the 1983 season. Shortly afterward, he became the NFL's director of player relations.