Tom Jackson

Tom Jackson transitioned from a decorated NFL career as a linebacker to becoming a beloved voice of the game as a longtime broadcaster. During his 14 seasons with the Denver Broncos, Jackson’s tenacity, intelligence, and leadership helped anchor the “Orange Crush” defense during a transformative era in franchise history.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jackson attended John Adams High School, where he played football, baseball, and wrestled. Although his size led many college programs—including his dream school, Ohio State—to overlook him, Jackson refused to let that define his future. He found his opportunity at the University of Louisville under head coach Lee Corso, where he became one of the school’s all-time greats. Jackson earned Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors twice for his dominant play at linebacker and led the team in tackles each of his three seasons. He was an All-American in 1972.

Despite his college accolades, NFL scouts were skeptical due to his size—listed at just 5’11”, 220 pounds. But the Denver Broncos took a shot on him and selected him in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft. From the moment he arrived in Denver, he played with a chip on his shoulder and made his mark.

Jackson quickly became the heart and soul of the Broncos’ defense. His speed, instincts, and fiery leadership set the tone for the entire unit. As co-captain of the “Orange Crush” defense, he helped lead the Broncos to Super Bowls XII and XXI, anchoring one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses of the era. His teammates voted him Denver’s “Most Inspirational Player” six times, a testament to his impact on and off the field. Over his career, Jackson recorded 22 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, and built a reputation as one of the smartest, most dependable linebackers of his time.

During his 14-year career with the Broncos, Jackson was a three-time Pro Bowler (1977–1979) and earned First Team All-Pro honors in 1977. He ranks third in franchise history with 191 regular season games played and was inducted as the 14th member of the Broncos’ “Ring of Fame” in 1992.

After retiring in 1986, Jackson transitioned smoothly into a new chapter of his life—as a trailblazing football analyst. Joining ESPN shortly after his playing days ended, he became a hit on NFL Countdown and NFL Primetime, where his chemistry with Chris Berman and insightful analysis helped shape how millions of fans understood the game. Jackson’s broadcasting career lasted over 30 years and earned him multiple Sports Emmy Awards, as well as induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He was given the Pete Rozelle Award Radio-Television Award in 2015, the NFL’s highest honor for a broadcaster,

Photos from ESPN Press Room, Wiki Commons, and Topps 1985 Trading Card. Biography by John T. Broome.