Joe DeLamielleure: Pro Football Hall of Fame Offensive Lineman

Joe DeLamielleure, best known as the swift pulling guard that opened many running lanes for hall of fame running back O.J. Simpson, was one of the greatest offensive guards to ever play the game and the anchor of the Bills’ famed “Electric Company” offensive line in the 1970s. He was an All-America and three-time All-Big Ten performer at Michigan State and was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft.

Several months after the draft, it appeared DeLamielleure might never suit up for the Bills when it was determined he had a heart malfunction and would never be physically capable of playing in the NFL. But after undergoing corrective procedures he was able to embark on a football career during which he never missed a game. A starter from the first game of his rookie season, he went on to play in 185 consecutive games during his 13 playing seasons with the Bills and the Cleveland Browns, only three of which were not starts.

DeLamielleure won All-Rookie honors his first year, was selected first- or second-team All-Pro eight times throughout his career, and was also named to the Pro Bowl six times. In 1975, the NFL Players Association named him Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Joe DeLamielleure never played in a championship game during his pro football career.

Career Highlights
All-Pro – 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
All-Pro Second Team - 1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983
Pro Bowl - 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981
Named to the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 3, 2003