Only Jack Ham Until Penn State Football

One of the greatest linebackers to ever don the blue and white (though he himself would give Paul Posluzny that honor), Jack Ham came to Penn State out of Johnstown, PA. He was part of the two-year undefeated span of 1968-69 that culminated in then-president Richard Nixon declaring Texas national champions, because, you know, those types of decisions should be completely up to our elected political leaders.

Though his senior year wasn't a particularly spectacular one for the Nittany Lions, Ham was stellar; a captain of the squad, he logged 91 tackles and four interceptions, finishing his collegiate career with 251 tackles. He was an All-American his senior year, and was eventually inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

In 1971, he was drafted by the Steelers in the 2nd round (34th overall)--and that's when he became a household name. In Pittsburgh, Ham was six times named first team All-Pro, was an eight time Pro Bowl selection, and helped the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles. He still holds the record for the most career forced turnovers by a linebacker with 53, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. His poster is the only non-blue and white one in my family's Penn State-centric basement recreation room.

Ham retired from football in 1982, and came back to Happy Valley. Currently, every fall Saturday he provides color commentary on the official radio broadcast of Penn State football games on the Penn State Radio Network, alongside the voice of the Nittany Lions, Steve Jones.