Donnie Shell Biography

Donnie Shell, born on August 26, 1952, played as a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL from 1974 to 1987. He was a key part of the Steelers' Steel Curtain defense during the 1970s. Shell retired as the NFL's career leader among strong safeties with 51 interceptions. He played college football at South Carolina State University under coach Willie Jeffries, earning All-American and all-conference honors. Signed undrafted by the Steelers, he spent his entire professional career with the team and won four Super Bowls during the 1970s. He was selected to five Pro Bowls between 1978 and 1982, earned five All-Pro honors, and was named Steelers team MVP in 1980. The Professional Football Researchers Association honored him by inducting him into the PFRA Hall of Very Good in 2013.