Tom Jackson

Tom Jackson is a former NFL linebacker for the Denver Broncos, where he was part of the "Orange Crush Defense". Jackson was a major component in the defense which led the Broncos to Super Bowl XXI against the New York Giants. After his playing career ended, he enjoyed a successful 29-year run as an NFL analyst for ESPN. He was given the Pete Rozelle Award for excellence in broadcasting by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Jackson was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He enjoyed a 14-year career in Denver where he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a four-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 nine years apart. Jackson finished his career with 20 interceptions, which he returned for 340 yards and three touchdowns, and eight fumble recoveries, which he returned for 104 yards. He also recorded 13 sacks (with a season 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.

He retired fifth on the Broncos' all-time sacks list with 44 and was tied for the franchise lead for interceptions by a linebacker with 20. He currently ranks second all-time in Broncos' games played with 191 (starting 179); only John Elway ranks ahead of Jackson. In 1992, Jackson became the 14th person inducted in the Broncos' Ring of Fame.

In 1987, Jackson joined ESPN studios where he was teamed with Chris Berman on the network's signature NFL shows, NFL Countdown and NFL Primetime. Sunday NFL Countdown, the weekly Sunday morning pre-game show has won seven Sports Emmy awards for Outstanding Studio Show—Weekly (1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2003 and 2007 seasons).

On Monday Night Countdown, Jackson hosted the segment "Jacked Up!," which featured five hits from the previous day's games. The show's hosts recited the title phrase as they watched some of the most punishing hits inflicted by players on the field.