Ham, Jack R.
Football
b. Dec. 23, 1948, Johnstown, PA
One of many fine linebackers developed at Penn State University, Ham was a consensus All-American in 1970 and was a second-round choice of the Pittsburgh Steeler in the 1971 NFL college draft.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Ham used speed, intelligence, and determination to become one of the best in the business, an All-Pro outside linebacker from 1973 through 1979 and the NFL's defensive player of the year in 1975.
Ham was known for his ability to make the big play. A skilled punt blocker, he had 32 career interceptions and he recovered 19 opposition fumbles. When the Steelers beat the Oakland Raiders 24-13 for the 1974 American Football Conference championship, Ham had two interceptions. Pittsburgh went on to the first of four Super Bowl victories after that season.
Quiet and shy of publicity, Ham retired after the 1982 season. He returned his 32 interceptions 218 yards, a 6.8 average, and scored one touchdown.