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American Football Biography

Ronnie Lott

American · Born 1959

San Francisco 49ersFour Super BowlsFinger Amputation
Safety/Cornerback
63
interceptions
10
pro wl

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The hardest hitter in NFL history — Ronnie Lott famously chose to have his little finger amputated rather than miss the 1985 season, winning four Super Bowls with the 49ers.

Ronnie Lott is considered the greatest safety in NFL history and one of the hardest hitters the game has ever produced. He won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and was named to the Pro Bowl ten times. In 1985 he chose to have part of his finger amputated rather than have reconstructive surgery that would have caused him to miss the season — one of sport's most extraordinary acts of dedication.

He had the tip of his finger amputated rather than miss the 1985 season — the most dramatic act of sporting dedication in NFL history.

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Career Honours

  • Super Bowl XVI XIX XXIII XXIV Champion
  • 10x Pro Bowl
  • 4 Super Bowl wins