American · Albuquerque, New Mexico · Born 8 May 1959American football safety and cornerback who won four Super Bowls with San Francisco 49ers and is considered one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history
Ronnie Lott was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1959. The 49ers selected him eighth overall in 1981. He won four Super Bowls with San Francisco. In 1985 he chose to have the tip of his left pinky finger amputated rather than undergo surgery that would have caused him to miss games — one of the most celebrated individual decisions in NFL history. His hitting ability — some of the most violent legal hits in NFL history — combined with elite coverage skills made him the finest safety of his era.
Legendary safety play, four Super Bowl championships, having part of pinky finger amputated to continue playing
How They Played
Aggressive, hard-hitting safety with exceptional coverage skills and leadership qualities
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, known for his intensity and leadership on championship teams
Career Honours
- Super Bowl Champion 4x (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV)
- Defensive Player of the Year 1987
- Pro Bowl 10x
- All-Pro 8x
- Hall of Fame 2000
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1986)
- NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1986)
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Sports Illustrated Defensive Player of the Decade (1980s)
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 1981–1990 | 143 |
| Los Angeles Raiders | 1991–1992 | 32 |
| New York Jets | 1993–1994 | 32 |
American Athletes