Donnie Shell
OnceIprovedtomyself,Iwaslearning,IknewIwouldmakeit.I’vealwaysbelievedinmyselfandI’vealwaysworkedhardenoughtobesuccessfulatwhateverItakeon.
Donnie Shell, a two-time team MVP and All-Mid-Eastern Conference player at South Carolina State, signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974.
A fierce hitter, Shell intercepted at least one pass in each of his 14 seasons with the Steelers. His 51 interceptions made him the first strong safety in the history of the National Football League to surpass the 50-interception mark.
One of seven brothers in a family of 10, Shell methodically progressed through the ranks from a special teams player and a part-time defensive back as a rookie, to a starting strong safety, earning that spot in 1977 when he replaced former Pro Bowler Glen Edwards.
Following the 1978 season he was named to the first of his five consecutive Pro Bowl teams. He was also named first- or second-team All-Pro five times, 1978 through 1982.
In 1980 Shell led all Steelers defenders with a career-high seven interceptions and was named the team’s MVP. In a 1981 game against archrival Cleveland Browns, the ball-hawking Shell became the first Steeler since 1973 to have three interceptions in a single game.
Shell, in 1984, duplicated his team- and career-best seven-interception effort. Counting 1982, 1983 and 1986 when he was team co-leader in interceptions, he led or shared the lead in interceptions five out of seven years. Adding to the significance of his accomplishments, his five interceptions in 1982 came during a strike-shortened, nine-game season.
In addition to having a nose for the ball, Shell was also a devastating tackler. He led the team in tackles in both 1982 and 1984, and was the leading tackler in the Steelers secondary for six consecutive years (1981-1986).
His 51 career interceptions rank him third in Steelers history, behind Hall of Famer Mel Blount (57) and Jack Butler (52), and his 19 opponent fumble recoveries are just behind Hall of Famer Jack Ham (21) as a second-best performance by a Steeler. A durable player, Shell is tied for second most seasons played behind only Hall of Fame center Mike Webster.