In the realm of professional football, the name Tom Jackson, resonates as both a formidable linebacker and a distinguished sports commentator. Born on April 4, 1951, Jackson’s journey through the world of football is nothing short of remarkable, filled with accolades and memorable moments.
Playing Career: The Birth of a Defensive Titan
During his college years, Jackson aspired to join Ohio State, but his undersized stature deterred the Buckeyes. Fortunately, University of Louisville’s head coach, the famed Lee Corso, recognized his potential and recruited him. Jackson’s college football career, spanning from 1970 to 1972, was nothing short of stellar. As a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year (in 1970 and 1972), Jackson left an indelible mark. Playing as a linebacker, he led the Cardinals in tackles for all three seasons, contributing to an impressive overall record of 23-7-2. His jersey number, 50, was eventually honored by the University of Louisville in 1999.
Professional Stardom in Denver: A Broncos Legend Emerges
The Denver Broncos recognized Jackson’s talent and drafted him in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of a remarkable 14-year career with the Broncos, where he rose to prominence as a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a four-time All-Pro selection, and a six-time recipient of Denver’s Most Inspirational Player award, as voted by his teammates. Jackson’s contributions extended to championship appearances in Super Bowl XII and Super Bowl XXI.
Jackson holds a unique distinction as one of only four players who represented the Broncos in both of these Super Bowls, with nine years separating the two. His retirement statistics speak to his prowess, including 20 career interceptions returned for a total of 340 yards and three touchdowns, as well as eight fumble recoveries returned for 104 yards. In his role as a weak-side blitzer in Denver’s 3-4 defense, Jackson notched 13 sacks, with a season-high of 5-1/2, according to Broncos records. His legacy in Denver’s history is unquestionable, as he ranks third in all-time games played, trailing only Jason Elam and John Elway. He retired tied for the franchise lead for interceptions by a linebacker, totaling 20.
In 1992, Jackson was honored as the 14th inductee in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame, solidifying his place among the franchise’s all-time greats. His story came to life in the 1987 book “Blitz: An Autobiography,” co-authored with renowned Denver Post sports columnist Woody Paige, offering an intimate glimpse into his illustrious career with the Broncos.
Broadcasting Excellence: The Transition to Commentator
After hanging up his cleats, Jackson embarked on a new adventure, becoming an NFL analyst for ESPN in 1987. He joined forces with Chris Berman on the network’s flagship NFL shows, NFL Countdown and NFL Primetime. The iconic Sunday NFL Countdown, a weekly Sunday morning pre-game show, earned seven Sports Emmy awards for Outstanding Studio Show—Weekly, recognizing its excellence in the 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2003, and 2007 seasons.
On Monday Night Countdown, Jackson introduced the segment “Jacked Up!” where viewers were treated to bone-crushing hits from the previous day’s games. The show’s hosts punctuated each hit with the famous title phrase, showcasing the most punishing tackles on the field.
Tom Jackson’s journey, from a defensive powerhouse in the “Orange Crush Defense” to a celebrated sports commentator, exemplifies a career filled with triumphs and milestones. His impact on the field and in the broadcast booth is an enduring legacy in the world of football.
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