Lott played college football for the University of Southern California (USC), where he was honored as a consensus All-American.

Lott was the San Francisco 49ers' first round draft pick and the eighth player chosen overall in the 1981 National Football League Draft. The 6-0, 203-pound defensive back made an immediate impression and was named the starting left cornerback from his first day in training camp.

In his rookie season, he recorded seven interceptions and helped the 49ers win Super Bowl XVI. He also became only the second rookie in NFL history to return three interceptions for touchdowns.

Although Lott's play was outstanding, he finished second in voting for rookie of the year honors, behind New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

When you think of football and No. 42, chances are you're thinking of Ronnie Lott.

Lott switched to the safety position in 1985. He thrived in the new role and is widely considered to be one of the best safeties in NFL history.

He had the tip of his left pinky finger amputated after the 1985 season when it was crushed while tackling running back Timmy Newsome, and a bone graft surgery would not have allowed him to start the 1986 season. Although another injury sidelined him for the season's last two games in 1986, he still led the league with a career-best 10 interceptions.

During his 10 seasons with the 49ers, Lott helped them win eight division titles and four Super Bowls: XVI (1981), XIX (1984), XXIII (1988), and XXIV (1989). He is one of just five players that were on all four 1980s 49ers Super Bowl winning teams.

Lott signed as a free agent in 1991 with the Los Angeles Raiders and led the league in interceptions (8) for a second time. In 1993, he signed with the New York Jets. Lott signed a free-agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1995, but was injured in the preseason. He returned to the 49ers in 1995, but the injuries he had suffered over the previous four seasons continued to plague him, and he announced his retirement before the season began.

In his 14 NFL seasons, Lott recorded 8.5 sacks and 63 interceptions, which he returned for 730 yards and five touchdowns.