Jack Lambert's Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Speech in 1990 | Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Hall of Fame linebacker, Jack Lambert's 1990 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech.
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[@majic4492]

This was back when I was proud to be an NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. These guys were REAL football players

[@michaelbratton472]

" You dam well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler " says it all.

[@23jakesmith23]

This is quite arguably the greatest hall of fame speech of all time. Eloquent, concise, and humble. Expressing such pride in his owner, his team, his city, and it's people. He knew exactly what to say to get the crowd cheering, and he thanked EVERYONE, including the little guys like the team's equipment managers. Jack Lambert seems like the ultimate Steeler.

[@CapoKies]

I think people attribute the hardnose defense to Joe Greene, when it was Lambert who set that tone. Linebackers have always been tough since then and they have a lot to live up to. Those 70s guys luckily set a high goal post. Watt will be up there some day. Cam Heyward too, I hope.

[@gc033]

Very well put. JACK LAMBERT #58 forever 🟡⚫️🟡⚫️🟡⚫️

[@2112666123]

He was a class act kids of today should get to know him some never heard of him “ I remember somebody said he was so mean on the field he didn’t even like himself “”” NFL FILMS I THINK

[@theraven3481]

@@CapoKies well.......your somewhat right

[@bjpsw1970]

@@CapoKies true steeler in all forms. His and Polamalu`s HOF speech are my favorities of any steeler player.

[@norman9291]

The Clint Eastwood of the nfl.

[@dalebeckett4796]

Great analogy! Two total badasses!

[@shawnsmith5763]

And nooo he wasn't Dirty

[@letsgojake.4078]

Imagine someone smoking cigarettes on the sideline today.

[@CapoKies]

Or John Wayne.

[@CapoKies]

@@shawnsmith5763 No, he played like EVERYONE in the league played back then.

[@BobDog72]

American by birth. Steelers Fan by the grace of God

[@richardcosta3504]

Jack Lambert was the heart of those great Steelers teams; Joe Greene was the soul.

[@fngaming5064]

Richard Costa so true.

[@Toppradd]

And on Offense - the heart was Franco n Soul was Rocky ...

[@CapoKies]

@@Toppradd I would say the heart was Rocky. Vet. Little guy. Played tough as nails.

[@pawadventures5544]

@@Toppradd I'm going with Rocky for the heart. On Aug. 20 1969 while on patrol Rocky took a enemy rifle round to the left thigh and shrapnel from a grenade to the lower right leg, he lost part of his right foot. Doctors told him he could never play football again.

[@theraven3481]

Very very very well put

[@headley62]

I'm a die hard Cleveland Browns fan, but my favorite player of all time is Jack Lambert. The toughest guy I've ever seen playing football. That was a hell of a speech Jack.

[@letsgojake.4078]

Damn. Thats something.

[@jimpizza6518]

Same here.....66 yrs. old......Jack Lambert .....Nothing else to say ! .........Stay Browns! ....ET

[@johnmatzye6633]

He did grew up as a Browns fan. Collected autographs of the players of the Browns in the 60's- which he still has. I feel like a hippocrate- being a Browns - I got his autograph.

[@E4create]

Big respect 🙏🏼🖤💛

[@E4create]

@@johnmatzye6633 yeah he's from Ohio so that was probably his team, but the way our cities have been the foundation America's favorite sport, says a lot . Gotta love PA/OH football and even the surrounding states

[@ericmatterson9905]

at only 218 lbs, he was able to deliver such power...pound for pound the hardest hitting lb in history

[@stevenmqcueen7576]

Very few NFL players of today deserve to be mentioned in the same breath with Jack Lambert and the football stars from his era.

[@biffsmallberries5344]

Jack Lambert wasn't one of the greats because he was tough or because he was crazy on the field. He was one of the greats because he was SMART. That's reflected in this thoughtful, intelligent speech.

[@latkagravas986]

Yep, Im a 55yr old Raiderhead fan and you said it! Indeed. He sounds so Smart and Proper ----when I thought their be a growl in his speech. Loved him!...those NFL Films dont did not show the elogquence of speech in his voice.

[@willd7582]

It was all of things actually

[@p.j.4738]

Excellent point!!!!

[@bigtuna5334]

I am a Butkus fan..!! But you hit it right on the head, he was SMART AND A BAD ASS MOTHER FUCKER

[@Billy-ml1si]

R U in the football hall of FAME like MOE of the 3 stooges said SHUT UP YOU

[@brettbanta2100]

"you damn well better believe, I'd be a Pittsburgh Steeler..."

[@sandranorman5469]

🥲🥲🥲

[@NM-vw1fl]

Makes me tear up and I’m not even a Steelers fan. Imagine belonging to something that great.

[@ndmich88]

Definitely makes me cry every time

[@jeffsmart9482]

And THAT GUY ,is the #1 reason why I LOVE THE STEELERS today!!! More than 40 yrs after 1st watching Jack lay people out, he is STILL my #1 greatest Steeler of all time!!! Thank you Mr. Lambert for all you did for the Black n Gold!

[@ericsnow3700]

I agree with ya'll lambert was the heart, Green was the soul. But Ham was the destructive instagator of the Curtain.

[@CapoKies]

Yep. I still love Hines, The Bus, Peezy, James, HEATH, Brett Keisel, Farrior, Troy and Ben the most (Because he never gets the respect he deserves. Like being called a third tier QB after starting 11-0 and throwing 33TDs to 11INTs just last year.) With absolutely the worst run game I have ever seen the Steelers have. From my generation. But damn, those guys in the 70s made the NFL what it is today. They boosted revenue and revived a whole city simply by playing tough and winning.

[@E4create]

He's probably a huge part of why I love the game the way I do. I just pictured myself being Jack, or playing with a guy/ on a stage like that. He's a true legend

[@jimmycruz2879]

THIS MAN KNOWS WHAT STEELER FOOTBALL IS ALL ABOUT THANK U MR LAMBERT , AND U DAM BETTER BELIEVE I'D BE A PITTSBURGH STEELER AWESOME

[@mikebeatty7814]

My favorite player of all time.

[@d0nKsTaH]

#58 should definitely be retired by the Steelers. Hell.. everytime I see ANY #58 .. I think of this man .

[@violator791]

It unofficially is. To date nobody has ever worn #58 for the Steelers since he did. Legend has it that Lambert will not allow it.

[@Ken_Weber_organist]

as a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Jack Lambert is my favorite

[@jaydee0187]

As a die hard Detroit Lions fan,I can say Jacks my favorite player ever except for maybe Barry Sanders

[@Ken_Weber_organist]

@@jaydee0187 hmmm, if you said Jack Lambert was your favorite, I would assume you are a greater fan of DEFENSES, in which case I would have thought your favorite (a Lion) player ever would be "Nightrain" Lane

[@highvoltage6016]

I know all about how they say today's NFL players are bigger, stronger, and faster than yesteryear's players but I would put that Steel Curtain defense of the 70's up against ANY defense I've ever seen.

[@chazzkramer7676]

Let them get hit by Jack, just once. As he would say, "That'll cool your ass down".

[@stevehalverson790]

The absolute best line in any Hall of Fame speech 07:35.

[@tyronecalvin993]

My top three favorites steelers of the 70s are Jack Lambert ,Mel Blount ,Mean Joe Greene

[@Sldumas1983]

One of the greatest linebackers ever to play the game and one of the smartest.

[@paulgeorge1138]

At 61 when I'm having a bad start to my day. I listen to this speech and remember his career. Then I'm 18 again!

[@boondoxatron9167]

Even my phone saluted Lambert...after his speech ended my battery showed 58 percent!

[@NorEasterK]

I never knew that Mr. Jack Lambert was so eloquent in his speech read that he studied to be veterinarian. Excellent speech well done!

[@Toppradd]

“The Greatest Defense Ever Assembled” Amen Jack Amen ...

[@ericmatterson9905]

What about the 85 Bears or 2000 Ravens?

[@Toppradd]

Up there with elites..yes. But not the Steel Curtain !

[@hardcorehouse]

'76 Steeler D, as pointed out by Paul Zimmerman. Never had the Bears hype but with better backers and DBs

[@jameswill175]

That's a true alpha male, no tears, just states the facts.

[@fngaming5064]

And gave credit to the 2 most important people in his life

[@courylanders4142]

He probably practiced the speech. So he was very prepared.

[@jamesswigert5666]

Tears have nothing to do with how much of a man you are. He was a great player and his lack of tears has nothing to do with his level of testosterone

[@mariaz4847]

Lambert has always been and always will be my favorite player!! That's when men were men, and football was football. I don't watch anymore, what is now, ,The National Felon League, and their political BS!! Thank you Jack, for helping to make the NFL what it used to be, true sports environment!!!

[@jimclark6256]

Only wantabe toughs who can only beat up on women are allowed to be in pro football today.

[@mrbill4499]

My favorite Steeler of all time...I can still see his gap-toothed scowl when getting in position on the defense before the snap...so many great Steelers from that era...the Steel Curtain will never be forgotten.

[@richwestlake2477]

Hes simply the greatest linebacker in Pittsburgh history

[@missunderstanding357]

I would have to agree. He was like a mystic on the field how he anticipated plays.

[@valeisabrown5453]

I'm a broncos fan an I would say the greatest of nfl history

[@fahhhque2255]

And think about the linebackers who have come through the Burgh good comment

[@frankformicola5702]

He should've been inducted into the HOF the day after he retired!!!

[@Yurrbo]

@@frankformicola5702 even though it’s not allowed they should have made an exception for him

[@dahger7]

Thank you Jack. For everything.

[@shawncornell346]

# 58. Jack Lambert. My favorite football player of all time.

[@keaukahaboy9355]

Greatest ffffinnnggg linebacker of all!!!!

[@kurttrump2258]

My all time favorite Pittsburgh Steeler.

[@nickyviolaguitar]

Super Bad ass Linebacker!

[@onefoot7]

As a quarterback, Jack Lambert inspired me to wear a pink dress, Thanks Jack!

[@meangene8437]

This guy was the best defensive player I ever saw, he was awesome

[@fredpapa4928]

Only Jack can get away with telling the crowd to hush up let’s get going. 😂 What a way to end a speech. Chills bro. Only a man’s man can say such a thing.

[@tertessa]

Jack Lambert what a speech...

[@colerainfan1143]

It’s always great to start with thanking mom, and then dad.

[@MenRising]

He was a real football player

[@professorx8549]

"Greatest Defense" ever assembled is correct. The "Steel Curtain".

[@arendsmith9527]

Absolutely love the Steelers. From South Africa

[@detectiveandy6323]

love to hear my, scratch that, OUR Steelers getting love from all over the world. thank you South Africa

[@deannfleming3765]

Jack Lambert was the Best!!! 🖤💛 #58!

[@douglaspatterson1360]

My favorite Steeler of all time #58 ❤️

[@4redniwediS]

It’s a shame that the players today can’t and will never be the level of player that Jack Lambert and his fellow teammates were!

[@AlexHernandez-bb9ok]

True like I'm 14, been a fan for a very long time and we have never seen players like these guys. Our defense currently is just amazing, but I wish I could go back and see this defense play as they were the greatest defense to ever be assembled.

[@ctruth6185]

The govt and the NFL weren't pushing an lgbt agenda back then. Men were allowed to be men.

[@chrisoakley5830]

@@ctruth6185 You're so right. The game is so soft now its hard to recognize it. I'm so glad I got to see the NFL in the 70$ and 80$ when the game and the men were real!

[@kokonanana1]

@@chrisoakley5830 Look up Turkey Joe Jones sack of Terry Bradshaw on KZbin. You will NEVER see another one like that!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ExProforlife]

Damn it's great to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan!

[@infocus]

5:24 "There is not an owner, or a team, or a coaching staff, or a people in a city, that I would rather have played for in the entire world."

[@dadoleyna]

Love or hate the Steelers, they epitomize what SHOULD be the norm. I'm now 51 and the Steelers have had 3 coaches in my lifetime. Loyalty. More than a dozen players have come back to Pitt, some for a single day, just to retire a Steeler. No other team can say the same, at least not to the same extent. thanks for everything, Jack, Art, Lisa, and all the rest.

[@dalebeckett4796]

Only 3 coaches since 1969. I bet that covers a lot of lifetimes as far as football fans. Right on brother!

[@jeffersonianideal]

Of all the great talent who ever had the honor and privilege of playing for Chuck Noll, Jack Lambert represented Coach Noll's archetype for what the ideal player should be.

[@frankdenardo8684]

Jack gave a great Hall of Fame induction speech.

[@Rea1skate68]

The absolute greatest speech ever given

[@brianjenkins6314]

I was at a Steelers game several years back. They had former players come on to the field at halftime. I thought the place was going crazy, then they announced Jack Lambert. It was by far the loudest I had ever heard any stadium or crowd of people in my life. That includes Penn State games I attended with around 100k people or any rock concert I've been to. It was awesome.

[@GVallaBertini]

A memorable speech from an iconic player.

[@missunderstanding357]

Great speech by a standup guy! Steelers nation salutes and appreciates you Jack!!! 🖤💛

[@dinapowerbicho3327]

This is the best speech that I heard. Emotionally and amazing hall of fame ever.

[@annjourney2717]

My FAVORITE Steeler of all time PERIOD!!💖

[@edwinmarquez7560]

I'm not a Steelers fan. But I will speak theses words. I'm 57 years old and I watched football since a 6 year old kid. And I can truly say it was always exciting watching this hall of famer play. My opinion one of the greatest linebackers that ever played the game. There would never be another Jack Lambert ever. And I truly believe every running back ran through that line was definitely afraid of him. They knew if they were tackle definitely Jack Lambert something to do with it.

[@Carlos-sd6cz]

"Discipline is necessary to excell".........................enough said.

[@billmalone5050]

I am a lifelong Callas Cowboy fan. But that is one of the best Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction speeches that I have ever heard. Jack Lambert was truly bad ass as the middle linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I remember that one of his nicknames was Count Dracula in Cleats. The Steelers proved their claim to NFL fame as the team of the 1970s by their 8 consecutive AFC Central Division Titles from 1972 to 1979, advancing to the AFC Championship Game 6 times in 1972, 1974,1975, 1976, 1978 and 1979; winning 4 of them and winning all 4 Super Bowls that they played in in Super Bowls 9, 10, 11 and 12. The Steelers took on incredibly talented and truly great Cowboy and Raider teams also in their 1970s prime and managed to defeat them in big games. Plus they had to deal with rest of the league gunning for them too. I hate to says this, but Lambert and his Pittsburgh Steelers were and always will be remembered for dominating the NFL in the 1970s and they will always be great champions who were, are and always will be a credit to pro football and the NFL. Rest In Peace, Franco Harris.

[@shawnamericanrebel5676]

On behalf of Steeler Nation, thank you ✊️

[@billmalone5050]

@@shawnamericanrebel5676 The Steelers were flat out loaded up with truly great players; Bradshaw, Swann, Stallworth, Harris, Blier, Kolb, Webster, Lambert, Ham, White, Greenwood, Blount, Shell,, Green, Furness, Mansfield, Holmes, Mullins Russell and please forgive me for leaving out the ones that I cannot remember. What a truly amazing and incredible array of athletic skill and talent, speed, power, strength, toughness and endurance those Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s had.

[@stevehalverson790]

Even though Jack Lambert is only a few years older than me, he was and has always been my favorite NFL player. 1974 Steeler draft: Round. Pick 1. 21. Lynn Swann 2. 46. Jack Lambert 4. 82. John Stallworth 5. 125. Mike Webster All in the Hall of Fame....Greatest draft in NFL history.

[@jcrtrchannel3806]

Don’t forget Donnie Shell , 1974 undrafted free agent

[@CarlosReyes-qe2iq]

And Donnie Shell, and undrafted HOFer...

[@kyleninehouser3624]

We were SO lucky to have this team of Steelers! Jack was absolutely a great man first, great player second. Love you Jack!

[@bobbyray9825]

One of the absolute greats.

[@bigbaz8314]

what a man, what an organisation

[@samsandora8341]

Jack Lambert embodies everything that is GREAT about Steelers football! He delivered his brand of football, on his terms and imposed his will on cowering opponents. His passion was fierce. His play was hard, relentless and sometimes brutal. But, he always achieved his end result which was a winning and being a key part of a dominant Steelers team. Because he exuded all the qualities of a no-nonsense, hard working people in a tough steel town -- Jack Lambert will always remain the well-deserved poster child for Steelers Nation!

[@dalebeckett4796]

Pure Class Dude.

[@juanconde5392]

Proud to be a Steeler fan and Jack Lambert is a main reason why. Go Steelers !!!!!

[@karb58benefits]

That man was a football player. Just awesome

[@cosmoevents21st56]

Jack Lambert was a football player's football player.

[@jimmycruz2879]

IF I HAD TO START MY LIFE ALL OVER AGAIN I'D BE A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER AND YOU DAM BETTER BELIEVE I'D BE A PITTSBURGH STEELER, WOW THAT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE'S WITH THE PRIDE OF BEING A PITTSBURGH STEELER FAN MY WHOLE LIFE, JACK LAMBERT A TRUE STEELER.

[@AntonioMachorro-dl4fx]

One of the strongest reasons for being a steelers fan. Here we go!

[@ralphfurley123]

Life long Steeler fan, but this is the first time I’ve watched Mr. Lambert’s Hall of Fame speech! Where is a damn tissue when I need one! 🥲 ☮️🖖🏽

[@p.j.4738]

Jack was my favorite! He gave his all, in every single game, the guy had no quit button!

[@fuita227]

Jack Lambert and Dick Butkus were the toughest players to ever play the game, hands down.

[@dancollins8296]

Hard to argue that

[@jeffreywilliamson744]

Ray Nitzge

[@CycloneJack]

@@jeffreywilliamson744 Good call. He may not have been quite up there with Butkus, Lambert, and Nitschke, but Tommy Nobis deserves to be mentioned. He was no slouch.

[@crittergitter7778]

When I think of a linebacker Jack is 1st on the list. The epitome of toughness

[@kevinrock5942]

Best speech ever at the hall of fame.....

[@dionshare7103]

Jack Lambert. One of the Steelers all time best players. If not the best.

[@stevecowder4774]

Wow I never knew what a speech artist Lambert was. A classy, inspirational effort to say the least. But it sure was a treat to watch him rule the defensive field of play back in the glory days. Kudos forever to you Jack !!

[@donoakman1507]

Very underrated in fact of how smart he was.. As intense as any player I have ever seen

[@reallivehumandrummer4438]

Wow that was a darn good speech, a lot of reference to Pittsburgh. Is Jack running for mayor? Be Impossible for him to loose.

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Fantastic speech. My absolute favorite football player ever.

[@ellahymons2375]

Jack Lambert.... nobody does it better! Awesome player!!!! Definitely apart of the greatest defense ever! Steel Curtain!!!

[@marcusanderson933]

MR. LAMBERT! NUFF SAID! #PS4L

[@bradmonium1]

With all due respect to my wife, I love Jack Lambert! What a god!

[@jim007]

One of the best induction speeches ever, from one of the best ever

[@CapoKies]

Damn he only played 11 years. Ben is almost playing his 20th, and think about all the injuries he's been through. Ben is a Steeler true and tried and could have played back then. He is the toughest QB I've ever watched. People don't even know half his injuries. Literally had his nose broke during a game, bent at almost a right angle and still played and won. He was taken out on a stretch against Bengals where fans threw things at him. Next thing you know, he is back out for the end of the game to bring the W. Ben is as tough as any Steeler.

[@CapoKies]

And he says he feels better than ever. NEVER count Ben out.

[@YT-BenG]

Big Bad Ben! Nuff said

[@jimgollach6202]

My ultimate respect for Mr.jack Lambert is, I never have been a person to idolize a sports athlete, but as a younger person the only poster I had on my wall in my bedroom was a giant poster of Mr. Steeler Jack Lambert. My favorite Steeler of all time. Thank you sir.

[@hlspraying7614]

What a great speech.

[@humblebeginnings8328]

What a class act and a great football player.

[@dalebeckett4796]

Absolutely Amen!

[@Miamiborne1969]

Favorite Steeler Ever! Let's Go Pittsburgh!

[@texasflood3165]

Always a fan of 58..see him in a new light after that speech..missed it live..can’t believe it’s 30 yrs ago

[@eddyballester8990]

Mr. Lambert’s HoF speech remains a favorite of mine for its sincerity and humility

[@Andiamo825]

My all time favorite player he was MEAN and WONDERFUL. PS4L

[@patguzman3132]

THE HART N SOUL OF DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL .PITTSBURG STEELERS

[@dmeads5663]

The guy would play full tackle football on gravel at Kent state.

[@leoh1191]

Amen jack amen...as a boy growing up in pa..i thank you

[@w.allencaddell6421]

I'm not a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but, just like New England which I hate, you have to recognize greatness if you are truly a football fan. Nobody has come even close to the dominance of these two teams, not even the great Green Bay Packers teams. To win the Super Bowl back to back, twice, and shut down the other dominant teams of your era, you are the greatest.

[@eddievibbert6740]

I am a Raiders fan but will tell you that I truly admired Jack. The epitome of what an NFL linebacker should be! Wish we could have had him.

[@johnjon6159]

So many great linebackers. Imagine how great Derek Thomas would have been and was!

[@averageguysworld]

Is it me or did anyone else got those goosebumps?!?! This guy represents the american dream. Down to earth guy which won everything in football. His passion for the game and especially his love for the Steelers Nation and the blue collar background is so lovely. Jack Lambert is the epitome of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the hard working people in the US. Greets from Germany

[@troypower4733]

The core of the greatest defense that ever played, in all of NFL history, clearly a leader and a man that the Steelers and all of their fans will always remember...impressive speech, brought back childhood memories of watching this great linebacker wreak havoc on opposing offenses, never forget.

[@johnjon6159]

Yes after the 85 bears.

[@bethelacademyofmartialarts3966]

@@johnjon6159they dominated for at least six years and posted two of the greatest defense performance in 76’ and 78’. They have 5 hall of famers from those defenses, and arguably 4 of them are top 10 at those positions all time. Bears did it ONCE, and it n no way shape or form had a tougher division.

[@maxhunter6913]

My favorite player of all time thanked everybody from his mother to the equipment man a Class Act!

[@donnawilliams3188]

My brother David was one of Lambert's Lunatics. They were at every game. When Lambert made a great tackle, the camera went right up to my brother's group who had their Lambert Lunatics sign hanging over the railing. David, my son, and the other Lambert's Lunatics were there in Canton when Jack got inducted. They are in this crowd somewhere. Maybe behind the sign!

[@mr.janhe_10]

Jack Lambert...only the greatest men can be so humble so as to recognize and thank "the most important people in the organization: the locker room and equipment man..." besides thanking his family, coaches, fans and teammates. Those were the days, when men were men and football was really football. God bless Lambert for all the good times he gave us, Steelers' fans. And you can be damn sure I'd be a Steelers' fan if I was born again!!