7 Pittsburgh Steelers who contributed to black history

Mel Blount

Tony Dungy isn’t the only defensive back to make a mark on Black History. Mel Blount changed the way the cornerback position is played. The way cornerbacks have to dial-down their physicality is called the Mel Blount rule.

Mel Blount was one of the most physical corners in history and that style is the great equalizer. Today’s NFL needs a Mel Blount with wide receivers dominating NFL corners. The league has changed to a more passing league and that is because of the Mel Blount rule that hamstrings corners.

Corners nowadays can be physical, but the way they are asked to win is through staying in phase, agility, and height.

Blount had many accolades in his football career. He was a four-time first-team All-Pro cornerback and a four-time Super Bowl champion according to Matt Loede. (Pg. 42) His stardom was sometimes overshadowed by the great Steelers front four and linebackers but he was a defensive back that should never be forgotten.

He has a good story in his personal life. He grew up in poverty but excelled in sports and has progressed to founding the Mel Blount Youth Home, a shelter and Christian Mission for Kids who have been abused or neglected.