Jack Ham in Stable Condition After Emergency at Husky Stadium
The 77-year-old Penn State radio analyst received treatment at a Seattle hospital while preparing for a live broadcast.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
Jack Ham is in stable condition.
The 77-year-old former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker was transported to the University of Washington Medical Center on Saturday. He experienced a medical emergency while preparing for a radio broadcast at Husky Stadium.
Penn State head coach Matt Campbell addressed the incident during the postgame press conference. The Nittany Lions had just defeated the Washington Huskies, 28-25. Campbell described the day as "a gut-wrenching day for Penn State football."
Campbell credited Ham’s broadcast partner, Steve Jones, with making a "heroic effort" when the analyst became ill. Ham was moved across the street to the medical center for treatment. Campbell said, "If it’s not for Steve and what he did, I don’t know if we would have as good news as we do right now."
The coach also thanked the university staff for their response. He noted that the athletic director and emergency team were "incredible, they were outstanding."
Ham has served as the Nittany Lions’ radio analyst since 2000. His playing career included an All-American season at Penn State in 1970. He spent 12 years with the Steelers, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and winning four Super Bowls. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Campbell told his players about Ham’s condition before kickoff. He praised the team for playing with awareness of Ham’s legacy and service to the program. Campbell said, "The courage of our kids to play with what Jack Ham means to Penn State football.. it was awesome to be able to go win the football game for him and his family." He added that the team’s thoughts and prayers would continue with Ham for a full recovery.
