Jack Ham - Class of 1988

 

Jack Ham was a consensus All-America at Penn State and the 34th player taken in the 1971 National Football League Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ham started all 14 games as a rookie and he continued to hold a regular job until his retirement after the 1982 season. Durable, he missed only four games his first 10 seasons in the NFL.

Blessed with speed, quickness, intelligence and exceptional mobility, Ham had the uncanny ability to diagnose plays and to be in the right defensive position at all times.

Jack played in Super Bowls IX, X and XIII but was forced to sit out Super Bowl XIV because of injuries. He also played in five AFC championship games and it was his 19-yard interception return to the Oakland 9-yard-line that setup the Steelers' go-ahead touchdown in their first ever championship victory.

Ham was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

Jack chose his college coach, Joe Paterno, to serve as his presenter.

Ham poses with his Hall of Fame bust.

Jack Ham's Hall of Fame mural.

Jack Ham's Hall of Fame bust.