Denver Broncos legend Tom Jackson will receive the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award on August 8th during the 2015 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, the team announced Tuesday in coordination with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The award recognizes “longtime exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football.”
Jackson will always be part of Broncos history after a stellar 14-year career (1973-86) in Denver where as a linebacker he was an integral part of the famous ‘Orange Crush’ defense.
After his football career, Jackson worked in Denver briefly before making the big move to ESPN in 1987. Since then, Jackson has been a constant figure alongside Chris Berman (Pete Rozelle Award Wiiner, 2010) on Sunday NFL Countdown, NFL PrimeTime and SportsCenter.
This is not Jackson’s first award. Sunday NFL Countdown alone has won seven Sports Emmy Awards and in 2009 Jackson won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Analyst.
ESPN executive vice president of programming and production John Wildhack praised Jackson, “For almost three decades, Tom has brought the same enthusiasm to our studio shows as he did to Denver’s ‘Orange Crush’ defense. He has strong relationships with players and coaches throughout the league and he has demonstrated the ability to connect with fans on a very personal level. He is highly deserving of this honor.”
Jackson told the Pro Football Hall of Fame, “Playing in the National Football League was a dream come true, but never did it occur to me that I’d have a second career so gratifying and an award like this bestowed upon me. I admire and deeply respect the former recipients of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. I’m so honored to join this club. And to all those who have contributed to my success as a broadcaster, I humbly and sincerely say thank you.”
Jackson, the epitome of class, deserves all the accolades that come his way.
Sammy Mugharbil, a Mile High Sports intern and MSU-Denver student, contributed to this report
