Thinking of the Steel Curtain, people tend to forget Jack Ham. Jack Lambert, L.C. Greenwood and Joe Greene all come to mind, but people seem to let the other linebacker slip their minds.
From day one, Ham was a success story in Pittsburgh. Starting as a rookie, Ham used an 11-year career to become an eight-time Pro Bowler, six-time first-team All-Pro and 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
What made Ham special was his speed. For a 70’s linebacker, Ham had speed you’d seen in defenses today. Whether you were a quarterback, running back or wide receiver, it would take serious speed to outrun Ham on the field.
He’s somewhat of a forgotten legend in Pittsburgh. People who watched him would never say it, but those who didn’t may not think of Ham when listing the all-time greats.
Luckily, we remembered; which is why Ham is one player shy of the greatest Pittsburgh Steeler of all-time. Who do you think NO. 1 is? Any guesses?