Dick LeBeau could be the most deserving player or coach not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 71 year old Steeler Defensive Coordinator is very well respected throughout the NFL for developing the "zone blitz" while he was DC with the Cincinnati Bengals. In very good shape for his age, LeBeau can still keep up with a fine Pittsburgh defensive team. He can also design a gameplan to embarrass any offense in the NFL.
While most fans and players are familiar with Dick LeBeau, the great DC and former Head Coach for the Bengals, very few fans know that he was a stand out cornerbacker during his 14 year career with the Detroit Lions.
The man had 62 interceptions during his career. Also a 3 time All Pro. Throw in his coaching career and there is no reason he shouldn't be in the HOF.
I am totally ignorant to what it is keeping him out. Is it his association with bad Bengals teams? He retired as a player in 1972. He didn't come to Cincinnati until 1980. While LeBeau was a stellar player,the Lions teams he played for were woeful. The former Bengals CB, Ken Riley has the same hurdle as Dick, he played on some bad Bengal teams.
It's sad to think HOF voters would keep LeBeau out of the HOF because his teams stunk. LeBeau played in 171 straight games as CB which still stands as a record for that position. He's also 7th on the all-time interceptions list.
Not impressed enough with his numbers? OK, vote him in as a brilliant and innovative DC. What black-balled Dick LeBeau? What will it take. He celebrated 50 years in the NFL last year, how many more years of dominace will it take?
We're going to send you the most entertaining Pittsburgh Steelers articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
12 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete