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JACK HAM

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Jack Ham, one of the greatest outside linebackers in pro football history, retired after 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In his prime, Ham earned the reputation of being almost a perfect player who defended the run and pass equally well and rarely made a mistake. He was not as colorful as some of his teammates, but was always one of the most popular players among the fans. Steeler fans appreciated Jack Ham's accomplishments on the field and his quiet class off it.

His ability was recognized by his peers and the media, who made him an All-Pro selection for nine straight seasons. He was the only unanimous defensive choice on the NFL 1970's Team of the Decade. He was elected to the Pro Bowl eight years in a row (1974-81), establishing a record for linebackers. This record was tied in 1982 by teammate Jack Lambert. In 1975, Ham was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Weekly and the Football News.

Ham's most impressive statistic is his 32 regular season interceptions, which ranks him third among all NFL linebackers. Twice he led all NFL linebackers in interceptions, and his career total is fourth best in Steeler history.

Ham also added five postseason INTs, which is a team record. Two of those interceptions came in the 1974 AFC Championship against Oakland - one of the biggest (if not the biggest) victories in Steeler history. His first of that game stopped an apparent Raiders' scoring drive, and he returned his second to the Oakland 9-yard line. This set up the Steelers' winning TD. Two weeks later, the Steelers claimed their first Super Bowl victory.

Jack joined the Steelers as a number two choice in the 1971 draft. This was the most productive draft in Steeler history, and perhaps the best in the history of the league. Thirteen of the Steelers' 22 selections that year made the team. Nine players were regulars at one time. Six of the original 13, including Ham, were starters on all four Super Bowl teams.

The Johnstown, PA native became a starter at the beginning of his rookie season. He clinched a regular position with a three-interception performance against the New York Giants in the Steelers' final preseason game at Yankee Stadium.

In 1972, Ham made the All Pro team for the first time with a career-high seven interceptions. He began his string of Pro Bowl appearances the following year. He was the only NFL linebacker to play in all Pro Bowls from 1973-81.

At the peak of the Steelers' defensive success in the mid-seventies, Ham combined with L.C. Greenwood (defensive end) and Joe Greene (defensive tackle) to form an alomst impregnable wall on the left side of the Pittsburgh defense. Six times this trio played in the Pro Bowl together, including four straight campaigns (1974 - 1977).

In eight of Ham's 12 seasons, he played every game on the schedule. He participated in 178 out of a possible 190 games. In the 15th game of the 1979 season, he dislocated a bone in his left foot and missed the playoffs, including Super Bowl XIV. The injury was more serious than first believed and required surgery. A long rehabilitation followed and continued into the 1980 season. Ham played that season at much less than 100 percent, but came back strong in 1981. His training camp performance seemed to indicate that he was fully recovered.

However, the injury jinx Ham had avoided early in his career struck again. Ham broke his arm in the first preseason game against Cleveland, and was sidelined for eight weeks. After missing the first four regular season games, he returned only to tear a small muscle above his left knee. Jack would play with pain until his retirement in 1983.

On July 30, 1988 Jack Ham was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a first ballot inductee. Ham's many other honors include the College Football Hall of Fame (1990), the Silver Anniversary All-Time Super Bowl Team, the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team (1994), Sports Illustrated's All Century Team (1999) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Time Team (2000).

Jack has been a color analyst for the Penn State Radio Network. He has also served in that role for KDKA-TV, covering the preseason games for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Westwood One Radio Network for their NFL broadcasts.

Jack is currently President of Nationwide Drug Testing Services, Inc. of Pittsburgh, PA, which implements a drug-free program for many small and large businesses. He is also General Manager of Coal Sales for Cooney Bros. Coal Company of Cresson, PA. He also spent five years in the sales department at Neville Coal Company.