Matt
Blair (born September 20, 1950 and died on October 22, 2020) was an outside linebacker for the
Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League for all 12 seasons of
his career from 1974 to 1985. Blair was an All-American selected
out of Iowa State University by the Vikings in the second round of the
1974 NFL Draft with the 51st overall selection. Blair quickly
established himself as one of the top and speediest linebackers in the
NFC, earning Pro Bowl honors for 6 consecutive seasons (1977–1982) and
making the NFL All-Rookie Team. In addition, Blair was selected All-Pro
in 1980, All-NFC in 1978 & 2nd Team All-NFC in 1977, 1979 &
1981. He was also an exceptional special teams player, particularly in
blocking punts because of his great speed and timing abilities. Blair
is 3rd in the NFL with 20 blocked kicks. Blair appeared in two Super
Bowls with the Vikings, Super Bowl IX (1974 season) and Super Bowl XI
(1976 season), losses respectively to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the
Oakland Raiders. Blair started for the Vikings his rookie season for the
injured Roy Winston. Blair participated in special teams play in Super
Bowl IX. He was a vital part of the Vikings' 1976 season of 11 wins, 2
losses, and 1 tie, second in the NFL in least points allowed (176
points, 12.6 points per game). In particular, Blair recovered 5 fumbles
and intercepted 2 passes from his linebacker position with Jeff Siemon
in the middle and Wally Hilgenberg on the opposite side. The Vikings
defeated the Rams again in the NFC championship game of the 1976-77 NFL
playoffs, when Blair recovered 2 fumbles.
Matt Blair signed this 1984 Police Card #3 at a Triple Crown Sports Collectibles Show in
Minnesota. Matt Blair's autograph is guaranteed to be authentic and
comes with a COA from Triple Crown Sports Collectibles. This Police Card will
be mailed out in a hard plastic top-loader. Thanks for your interest!