The 5 Greatest NFL Players From the State of Hawaii
By Erik Lambert
#2: Matt Blair
Bud Grant is the greatest coach in Minnesota Vikings history and he was at his best when it came to building defenses. Matt Blair was one of his most underrated finds in the mid 1970s. He was a part-time contributor on their 1974 Super Bowl team before becoming a full-time starter by 1976 for that run as well. Sadly his impact wasn’t enough to change their fortunes in those games, but Blair nonetheless became a star for a considerable period at that time.
He went to six-straight Pro Bowls including an outstanding run in 1980 that saw him set career highs in every category despite missing two games. Considering the fact he was from small Hilo and went to Iowa State, this was a remarkable case of overachievement. He was never viewed in the same light as other great linebackers of that era but it’s criminal he’s forgotten like he’s become. Such is the life of being in a locker room with legends.