UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jack Ham is back home in Pittsburgh after being released from the University of Washington Medical Center, Penn State play-by-play broadcaster Steve Jones announced during Saturday’s pregame show.
Jones said Ham flew home from Seattle, providing an encouraging update on the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer a week after a medical emergency interrupted his broadcasting duties.
Ham, 77, was hospitalized before Penn State’s game against Washington. His return home marks welcome news for the Penn State community and Steelers fans who have followed his recovery.
Following the Washington game, Penn State head coach Matt Campbell thanked the University of Washington medical personnel who helped save Ham’s life.
Ham’s ties to Penn State span generations, beginning with his playing career under Joe Paterno. He earned consensus All-America honors in 1970 before becoming one of the most accomplished linebackers in NFL history.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Ham played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1971 through 1982, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise’s celebrated defense. His 53 career takeaways remain the NFL record for a player who was not a defensive back.
After his playing career, Ham built a distinguished second career in broadcasting. He joined Jones on Penn State’s radio team in 2000, bringing his perspective as a former player to generations of listeners following the Nittany Lions.
Brian Tripp continues to work alongside Jones on Penn State’s radio broadcasts during Ham’s recovery.
For now, the encouraging development is that Ham has left the hospital and returned to Pittsburgh.
