the toughest football player of all time. While Lambert's number, 58, is one of many jersey numbers "unofficially retired" by the team (the Steelers have retired three jersey numbers-number 70, 75 and 32, worn by Ernie Stautner, Joe Greene and Franco Harris respectively), his jersey number has perhaps gotten the most attention out of all such jersey numbers. When Lambert retired, he reportedly told the equipment manager that he was not to issue number 58 again. Lambert later fought with the equipment manager outside of the facility because of a misunderstanding about his number. Lambert was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Lambert was voted to the Pittsburgh Steelers 75th Anniversary team. NFL Network's countdown show, NFL Top 10, named Lambert the number 8 "Most Feared Tackler" and the number 5 "Pittsburgh Steeler" of all time. Lambert remains popular among Steeler fans and was arguably the most feared defender on the team despite the fact that some have regarded Jack Ham as a better outside linebacker than Lambert as a middle linebacker during the Steelers dominance of the 1970s. This has been attributed to Lambert looking directly at the quarterback and vice versa before the start of plays. Adding to his mystique has been Lambert's reclusiveness in retirement; aside from his Hall of Fame induction and the Steelers last game at Three Rivers Stadium, Lambert has rarely made any public appearances related to football, preferring to live a private life. References External links 1952 births Living people People from Mantua, Ohio Players of American football from Ohio American football middle linebackers Kent State Golden Flashes football players Pittsburgh Steelers players American Conference Pro Bowl players National Football League Defensive Rookie of the Year Award winners Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees National Football League announcers National Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award winners