Tom Jackson (American football)
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| Tom Jackson | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | April 4, 1951 |
| Place of birth | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Position(s) | Linebacker |
| College | Louisville |
| NFL Draft | 1973 / Round 4/ Pick 88 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1973-1986 | Denver Broncos |
Thomas Jackson also referred to "TJ" or Tommy (b. April 4, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an NFL analyst for ESPN and a former All-Pro linebacker for the Denver Broncos.
Contents |
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 finished his career with 20 interceptons, which he returned for 340 yards and 3 touchdowns, and 8 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 104 yards. Jackson ranks second only to 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.
[edit] 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 popular segment "Jacked Up!," which features the five biggest hits from the previous day's games.
Jackson has made a couple of controversial comments as a broadcaster:
- In 2003, the New England Patriots released popular safety Lawyer Milloy, who signed with the Buffalo Bills and helped his new team shutout New England on opening weekend, 31-0. On an episode of NFL Countdown, Jackson claimed that the Patriots were not behind head coach Bill Belichick, saying the following: "Let me say this clearly: they hate their coach." His provocative claim drew fervent denials from the Patriots locker room. Belichick was stunned by the remark and the lack of an apology as the season continued. The Patriots recovered from the Buffalo loss and finished the regular season at a league-best 14-2. After the team was victorious in Super Bowl XXXVIII over the Carolina Panthers, Jackson attempted to shake Belichick's hand. The coach responded: "Go fuck yourself." The post-game interview with Belichick was handled entirely by Berman.[1]
- On the September 10th, 2006 edition of Sunday NFL countdown, he asked Michael Irvin "Are you retarded?" when Irvin said something about the Mannings that Jackson disagreed with. Jackson issued a formal apology.
- Tom Jackson also does the Two-minute drill with Chris Berman and is often referred to as Chris Berman's parrot.
[edit] Personal
Jackson resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his family.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Holley, Michael. Patriot Reign. (ISBN 0-06-075795-7)
