Albert Matthew Blair (September 20, 1950 – October 22, 2020) was an American professional football player who was an outside linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL) for all 12 seasons of his career from 1974 to 1985. He played college football at Iowa State. Early years Blair was born in Hilo, Hawaii but his family moved to Ohio when he was in high school. He was recruited by Cincinnati but his academics were not up to standard so he enrolled at Northeast Oklahoma Junior College. College career Blair walked onto the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M football team and was a member of the 1969 Junior College Championship squad. He was able to earn a half scholarship through football but had to join the basketball team to receive his other half scholarship. Blair was recruited by Florida, Florida State, Alabama, and Iowa State, among others. After a visit by Johnny Majors, Blair ultimately committed to Iowa State. While at Iowa State, Blair was a two time letter winner. He was a member of ISU's 1971 Sun Bowl team and was named the bowl's most outstanding defensive player despite ISU's loss. After sitting out the 1972 season with a knee injury, he rebounded with an outstanding senior campaign in 1973. Blair earned All-America honors, tallying 77 tackles, one interception and three fumble recoveries. He was invited to play in the Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, and the Senior Bowl. Professional career Minnesota Vikings Blair was a selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft with the 51st overall selection. Blair quickly established himself as one of the top and speediest linebackers in the NFC, earning Pro Bowl honors for 6 consecutive seasons (1977–1982) and making the NFL All-Rookie Team. In addition, Blair was selected All-Pro in 1980, All-NFC in 1978 and Second-team All-NFC in 1977, 1979 and 1981. He was also an exceptional special teams player, particularly in blocking punts because of his great speed and timing abilities. Blair is third in NFL history with 20 blocked kicks. Blair appeared in two Super Bowls with the Vikings, Super Bowl IX (1974 season) and Super Bowl XI (1976 season), and both were losses respectively to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders. Blair started for the Vikings his rookie season replacing the injured Roy Winston. Blair participated in special teams play in Super