Tom Jackson (American football)

Infobox NFLretired


name=Tom Jackson

---

caption=
relatives= André A. Jackson)
position=Linebacker
number=57
birthdate=birth date and age|1951|4|4
Cleveland, Ohio
debutyear=1973
finalyear=1986
draftyear=1973
draftround=4
draftpick=88
college=Louisville
teams=
* Denver Broncos (1973-1986)
stat1label=Sacks
stat1value=40
stat2label=Interceptions
stat2value=20
stat3label=Touchdowns
stat3value=3
nfl=JAC577792
highlights=
* Pro Bowl (x3) (1977, 1978, 1979)
* 20/20 Club
HOF=
CollegeHOF=

Thomas (Tom) Jackson also referred to "TJ" or Tommy (b. April 4, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an NFL analyst for ESPN and a former Pro Bowl linebacker for the Denver Broncos.

College

Jackson attended the University of Louisville, where he was coached by current college football analyst Lee Corso. During his college career, he was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference player of the year selection. Jackson and Chris Berman often refer to his Alma Mater during ESPN broadcasts. For instance, when a graduate of Louisville makes a good play during game highlights, they will state the player's name followed by an enthusiastic "FROM... LOUISVILLE".

NFL

Jackson was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 1973 NFL Draft. He enjoyed a 14-year career in Denver where he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and was voted Denver's Most Inspirational Player six times by his teammates. He also assisted the team to Championship appearances in Super Bowl XII and Super Bowl XXI. Jackson was one of only four players to play for the Broncos in both of the aforementioned Super Bowls, played 9 years apart. Jackson finished his career with 20 interceptions, which he returned for 340 yards and 3 touchdowns, and 8 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 104 yards. He also recorded 40 sacks (with a career high 5-1/2) as a weak-side blitzer in Denver's 3-4 defense according to Broncos records. Jackson ranks third only to Jason Elam and John Elway on the team's all-time list of games played with 191.

In 1992, Jackson was inducted in the Broncos' Ring of Fame.

Broadcasting

In 1987, Jackson joined ESPN where he was teamed with Chris Berman on the network's signature NFL shows, "NFL Countdown" and "Primetime". On "Monday Night Countdown," Jackson hosts the segment "Jacked Up!," which features five hits from the previous day's games. The shows hosts recite the title phrase as they watch some of the most punishing hits inflicted by players on the field.

*Jackson is known for wearing a brown suit nearly every Sunday while performing his ESPN 'Sunday NFL Countdown' duties.

Personal

Jackson resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife Jennifer and their two daughters, Taylor and Morgan. In 1997, his 9-year-old daughter Andrea, died in a car accident [Daily Sports Capsule-Football] .

He is also known to be an avid lover of spicy food, earning him the nickname, "Supa Hot", among his colleagues at ESPN. Fact|date=February 2007

Miscellanea

On the American TV series Sliders, during the Eggheads episode, Jackson plays an alternate version of himself during the Mindgame scenes.

External links

* [http://databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=JACKSTOM01 Jackson's stats]

References