Gerald Lambert †
Inducted 2014
Hometown: McAllen
High School: McAllen High School
College: Texas A&I University
Best Known for: Football
(December 18, 1936-February 18, 2017)
Lambert was one or the greatest linemen in Valley history. He was Little American in college and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1960.
Lambert started three years as a guard at McAllen High, graduating in 1963. The Bulldogs advanced to the Class AAA state semifinals in 1952 and 1954, beating region powers San Antonio Edison (1952) and Alamo Heights (1954) to advance to the semis. He was named as the District 8-AAA Outstanding Player and was selected First Team All-State in 1954.
At Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville), he was an Associated Press Little All-American and received NAIA All-America honors. Lambert was a key cog in the 1959 Javelina team that won the 1959 NAIA national championship and Lone Star Conference title, and was named outstanding lineman in both the semifinals and title game. Together with teammates and RGVSHOF inductees Willie Crafts and Jesse Longhofer, the Javs went 12-1. Lambert was induced into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 1975.
Lambert played in the All-American Bowl in Tucson after his senior season and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 11th round in 1960 AFL Draft.