Melvin Carnell 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 14 years for the Pittsburgh Steelers(1970-1983), closing out his career with victories in Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl X, Super Bowl XIII, and Super Bowl XIV. In Super Bowl IX and Super Bowl XIII, Blount recorded key interceptions that were crucial to his team's victory.

Blount make the pro bowl 5 times during his career(1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981), and was the pro bowl MVP in 1976. He also won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1975.

Blount finished his 14 seasons with 57 interceptions, which he returned for 736 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also recorded 13 fumble recoveries, returning them 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. On special teams, he returned 1 punt for 52 yards and gained 911 yards on 36 kickoff returns.

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 Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. In 1994, he was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary All-Time team.

External links

• Mel Blount Youth Home
• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Member profile
• 75th Anniversary All-Time Team: NFL.com
• Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

1948 births | Living people African American football players | People from Georgia (U.S. state) | American football cornerbacks Pro Football Hall of Fame | Pittsburgh Steelers players | AFC Pro Bowl players | Southern Jaguars football players | The Steel Curtain | NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team