The Most Feared: Ronnie Lott

Conor Davison
Aug 10, 2016
2 min read

This week’s Legend features one of the most impactful defenders to have ever played the game. From his devastating hits to rangy coverage skills, there were few men who typified what it meant to be a versatile force on the field. Widely considered the “Golden Standard” of the safety position, Ronnie Lott also dabbled at Cornerback making him lethal from a variety of positions.

For fourteen seasons during the 1980s and 1990s, Lott left his mark both metaphorically and literally on opposing ball carriers.

His brief stints with the Raiders (leading the league with 8 interceptions), Jets and Chiefs would not outshine his body of work with the 49ers which included All-Pro honours eight times (6 with the 49ers). Lott had an uncanny awareness of how a play was developing which quickly earned him a reputation as one of the hardest and most proficient open-field tacklers the league has ever known.

After switching to safety in 1985, Lott had the tip of his left pinky finger amputated after the 1985 season when it was crushed by tackling running back Timmy Newsome. The cause for such a drastic action was because performing a bone graft surgery wouldn’t have him ready in time for the 1986 season. This personified Lott’s passion for the game with his toughness and sacrifice leading to a career best 10 interceptions in a season he wasn’t expected to fully part take in.

Lott spearheaded San Francisco to eight division titles and four Super bowls with his fearless play on the field being undeniable. Off the field, Lott is a distinguished philanthropist, mentor and role model deeply committed to fighting poverty and serving families and children in need. His impact on the game earned him well deserved Hall of Fame honors.

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