Mel Blount

Mel Blount (Born April 10, 1948 in Vidalia, Georgia) was a 5-time All Pro-Bowl defensive back with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The early years of his life were spent growing up in poverty on a Georgia farm. But by college, Mel had been a star in baseball, football, basketball, and track. Upon graduation, he was offered a scholarship to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While there, he was a Pro-Scouts All-American pick as both safety and cornerback.

In the 1970 NFL Draft, Mel was the 3rd round, 53rd overall pick. He played for 13 years for the Pittsburgh Steelers, closing out his career with victories in Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl X, Super Bowl XIII, and Super Bowl XIV, intercepting 57 passes and returning them for 736 yards, 13 fumble recoveries, and the act of playing in 5 Pro Bowls.

After his career, Mel became the Director of Player Relations for the NFL serving from 1983 to 1990. He also became very active in charity works. He founded the Mel Blount Youth Home, a shelter and Christian mission for victims of child abuse and neglect, in his hometown of Vidalia in 1983. In 1989, he opened a second youth home in Claysville, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.

In 1989, he was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

External Links

• Mel Blount Youth Home

Category:People from Georgia|Blount, Mel]]