John Harold Lambert (July 8, 1952, Mantua, Ohio) played football with Kent State, winning two-year All-Mid American Conference linebacker honors. He was selected as a second round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974. He played with the Steelers for 11 years, their starting lineback for all eleven years. He was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974. In a nine year span, he was named to nine straight Pro Bowls and was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. He played in four Super Bowls.