NFLNFL Pittsburgh Steelers Trading Cards1970–1983Hall of Fame · 1989

Mel Blount

Mel Blount on the wall — for the Steelers fan who knows they named the rule after him.

Shop Mel Blount giftsCard collector's view
★★★★★ 4.9 from 100+ reviews Real licensed cards Made in USA

Career snapshot

Defense: 57 INT · 736 INT return yards · 2 INT-TD

Accolades

★ 4× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV with Pittsburgh)

★ Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1989, first ballot)

★ 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

★ 5× Pro Bowler · 2× First-Team All-Pro

★ 1975 NFL interceptions leader (11 INTs)

★ NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

★ The “Mel Blount Rule” — the 1978 illegal contact rule — named for him

★ Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

All Mel Blount products

0 products

The card collector's view

1972 Topps #284 is Blount’s rookie card and a foundational Steel Curtain piece for any vintage Steelers collection. The 1976 Topps and 1979 Topps cards from his Super Bowl championship years are the key flagship pieces. For premium collectors, his Panini National Treasures patch-autographs and Steelers dynasty-era jersey relics offer the high-end memorabilia options.

About Mel Blount at FreshDCards

Mel Blount played 14 seasons at cornerback for the Steelers and was so physical the NFL changed the rules to limit him. The 1978 illegal-contact rule — informally and forever known as the Mel Blount Rule — restricted defenders from making contact with receivers more than five yards downfield, directly opening up the modern passing game. Four Super Bowl rings (IX, X, XIII, XIV), the 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, five Pro Bowls, and a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction in 1989.

More NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Trading Cards gifts →

Shop the full NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Trading Cards collection

37 products · plaques · team sets