By Darin 
Behind every record-breaking rusher is a lineman who refuses to be moved. For the Buffalo Bills of the 1970s, that man was Joe DeLamielleure. A cornerstone of the legendary “Electric Company” offensive line, “Joe D” provided the spark that “turned on the Juice,” leading the way for the first 2,000-yard rushing season in NFL history. With a career defined by surgical technique and an unbreakable 185-game iron-man streak, DeLamielleure solidified his status as one of the most durable and dominant guards to ever play the game.
Football Bio
March 16, 1951 – Detroit, Michigan – The great All-American Michigan State Guard Joe DeLamielleure was born. Joe came out of the Spartans program as a great talent, and it did not take long for the Buffalo Bills to use their first-round pick in the 1973 NFL Draft to claim him for the franchise. The big guard provided instant reward for his employer as he was voted with All-Rookie honors in year one, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Though offensive linemen have few stats to look at in the era Joe played, one thing that is clear is that he was often the lead blocker for O.J. Simpson, and we know what Simpson did in terms of rushing yards. DeLamielleure and his line mates were often referred to as the “Electric Company.” Joe DeLamielleure, Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2003.
Conclusion
Joe DeLamielleure was the ultimate “Blue Collar” hero of the Lake Erie region, excelling in Detroit, East Lansing, Buffalo, and Cleveland. His impact went far beyond just clearing lanes; he was a pioneer of consistency, never missing a game in his first 12 seasons. By becoming the first player in NFL history to block for both a 2,000-yard rusher and a 4,000-yard passer, Joe D proved that a truly elite guard is the tide that lifts all boats. His 2003 induction into Canton and his 2011 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame cement his legacy as a dual-threat blocker who dominated both the college and professional ranks.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2003.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2011 (Michigan State).
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team: Recognized as one of the best players of the era.
- 6× Pro Bowl Selection: (1975–1980).
- 8× All-Pro Selection: (3× First-Team: 1975, 1976, 1977; 5× Second-Team: 1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983).
- NFLPA Offensive Lineman of the Year: 1975.
- Forrest Gregg Award: Named the NFL’s Top Offensive Lineman in 1977.
- All-American (Michigan State): Earned honors in 1972.
- Iron Man Record: Played in 185 consecutive NFL games.
- Statistical Milestone: First player to block for a 2,000-yard rusher (O.J. Simpson, 1973) and a 4,000-yard passer (Brian Sipe, 1980).
- Team Honors: Member of the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame and Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor.
