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RONNIE LOTT

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If you were to choose one word to describe defensive back Ronnie Lott, it would have to be "passionate." One of the hardest hitting players ever to take the field, Lott played every down with a fearless winner-take-all attitude. A throwback to another era, he often spoke of his admiration for past bone-jarring greats like Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, and Sam Huff and his desire to achieve their level of play.

A consensus All-America choice at the University of Southern California, Lott was the Trojans' 1980 Most Valuable Player. He led the Pac 10 with eight interceptions his senior season and registered 250 tackles during his four-year collegiate career.

Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1981, he was the 8th pick of the first round. He was believed to be the complete package. He had speed, strength and knowledge of the game that set him apart from most other defensive backs. And, as hoped, the 6-0, 203 pound defensive back went on to become a defensive mainstay on a 49ers team that dominated the NFL in the 1980's.

During his remarkable 13-year career, Lott earned 10 Pro Bowl invitations at three different positions. Twice he led the league in interceptions. He ranks fifth on the all-time interception list with 63 steals. He surpassed the 1,000-career tackle mark in 1993, and he has five seasons of at least 100 tackles. In 20 playoff contests, he recorded nine interceptions, 89 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two touchdowns.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ronnie Lott was raised in a military family. His father served more than 20 years with the U.S. Air Force. "My dad served our country through two wars. I was always kind of proud of him, I wanted to be like him," said Lott.

Both parents were real influences in his life. "My parents could have been disciplinarians only, but they weren't," he said. "They were much more than that." He remembers as a youth being taught the importance of seeing both sides of an issue. "Most kids are taught 'right, right, right,'" Lott recalled, "they are never taught why something is wrong." "My dad was able to teach me that something is right because something else is wrong. He would always make me understand why something was wrong."

Growing up, football was not Ronnie Lott's only love. He also followed basketball, baseball and hockey. From an early age he dreamt of being a pro athlete. "I used to dream that I was Charley Taylor or Sonny Jurgensen of the Washington Redskins or Frank Howard of the Senators. I was KC and the Big O," he said.

The Lott family eventually moved to Rialto, California. Ronnie attended Eisenhower High School where he played football, baseball and basketball. He earned all-league honors in each of this three varsity seasons in football and basketball and twice in baseball. It was primarily for football, however, that the "big-name" colleges and universities recruited him.

Lott had a stellar career with the Trojans. His 14 career interceptions were fourth best in the school's history. His eight interceptions in 1980 were second most in the nation. In addition to his MVP honors that year, he was voted the team's Most Inspirational Player.

Expectations ran high when the 49ers drafted him. "He may just be the best athlete this club has at this point in time," then 49ers coach Bill Walsh said. The talented rookie was named the starting left cornerback from his first day in training camp.

Ronnie Lott was proud of his reputation for being a hard and ferocious hitter and was unapologetic for his physical play as well. It wasn't simply a matter of his big hit trademark that made him so effective. His game went deeper than just the physical aspect. He was a student of the game. His competitiveness and intensity were unparalleled. He even studied the Korean martial art form tae kwon do, in an effort to improve his flexibility and self-discipline.

Throughout his career Lott was more than just a great player. He was a student of the game, a teacher, and a team leader. He loved and respected the game. Ronnie Lott played hard. He played clean. And most importantly, he always played with passion.

He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.