Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time
37. Joe DeLamielleure
Not only was Joe DeLamielleure one of the greatest offensive linemen in Michigan State football history, but he happened to put together quite the NFL career.
In fact, he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a six-time first-team All-Pro selection, NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and current Pro Football Hall of Famer. He really translated his talent, and then some, to the NFL level after getting drafted 26th overall in 1973.
The Detroit-native happens to be one of the best offensive guards to put on a Michigan State uniform and really paved the way for the current stellar line. DeLamielleure was a first-team All-Big Ten guard in 1971 and 1972 and was also named an All-American during his time at MSU.
According to msuspartans.com, DeLamielleure was one of the hardest working players in the game.
"“His work ethic was second to none,” said former MSU offensive line coach (1968-72) Joe Carruthers. “Joe never slacked off in practice. He was the first guy out on the practice field and the last guy to leave it. I’m not so sure Joe didn’t invent the pancake block because the pro scouts said they had never seen anything like that before on film. It appeared that he was super glued to his opponent. Joe wouldn’t quit blocking until he had his man on the ground.”"
Michigan State’s offensive line is currently one of the best in college football and DeLamielleure was decades before his time.
Next: 36. Dan Currie