Post by TheShadow on Jul 31, 2006 18:46:31 GMT -5
www.raiders.com
As legendary Raiders head coach John Madden prepares to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday, August 5th, we present a look back at the 16 proud members of the Silver and Black who have previously earned such distinction. We continue with Raiders safety Ronnie Lott, who was enshrined in 2000.
Ronnie Lott may have only suited up for the Raiders for two seasons, but he wore the Silver and Black with pride and distinction. From 1991-92, Lott played in all 32 league games for the Raiders, chalking up nine interceptions and two fumble recoveries, all the while adding to his Hall of Fame legacy. During his time with the Raiders, Lott also earned the Commitment to Excellence Award which is given to the "Player Who Best Exemplifies the Pride and Spirit of the Raiders."
In 1981, Lott, an All-American out of Southern California was the San Francisco 49ers' first round draft pick. The defensive back made an immediate impression and was named the starting left cornerback from his first day in training camp.
In his first season, Lott became the second rookie in NFL history to return three interceptions for touchdowns and finished second behind Lawrence Taylor for Rookie of the Year honors.
Lott played both right and left cornerback positions as well as free and strong safety over his 14-year career. He earned 10 Pro Bowl selections at three different positions, but seemed to be most effective at the free safety spot.
Lott was named All-Pro eight times, All-NFC six times, and All-AFC once. In 1986, he played 14 games at the free safety position, before an injury sidelined him for the final two games of the season. Lott was still able to manage to lead the league with a career-most 10 interceptions, recorded 77 tackles, forced three fumbles and had two sacks.
Over Lott's 14 years in the NFL, he recorded 63 career interceptions, leading the league twice, surpassed the 1,000-career tackle mark in 1993 while playing for the New York Jets, and had five seasons of at least 100 tackles. In 20 playoff contests (all starts), he recorded nine interceptions, 89 tackles, one forced fumble, and two touchdowns.
In 1991 while playing for the Raiders, he led the league in interceptions (8) for a second time. In July of 2000, Lott was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.