Capt. He earned a starting position as a rookie, named All-AFC or All-Pro seven straight years and was voted to eight consecutive Pro Bowls. In his senior year, 1970, Ham was co-captain, had 91 tackles, four interceptions, and was an All-American. Jack Ham fathers name is under review and mother unknown at this time. He was able to diagnose plays. In his three years as a starting linebacker, the Nittany Lions had records of 11-0, 11-0, and 73. There are people that get installed into the Hall of fame and this Pro Hall of Fame doe s them honor and there are some unique people that when they enter the Hall, they literally give that Hall more honor than they receive and Jack Ham is one of those people and it is beyond words for me to tell you the kind of pride I have when I present Jack Ham for induction into the Hall of Fame . Find your friends on Facebook. Drafted: 2nd round (34th overall) in 1971 by Pittsburgh Steelers I PtiOM 627-8236 I R.D. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Mary, Roman Catholic Church in Leckrone, the St. Mary Rosary Society, St. Mary Pastoral Council, PALS Ladies Auxiliary and The Friends of German & Masontown Library. Until your five years of eligibility are up and then you become nominated, then you think about it. I kidded with him and told him I needed to ask him something. In Ray Didinger's Pittsburgh Steelers, the guard was quoted as saying, "You expect me to believe you're one of the Steelers?" But, it was really more of a tradition than a superstition. His sensational rookie training camp earned him a starting left linebacker spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first regular season game. The worlds population was and there were an estimated year babies born throughout the world in 1948, Harry S. Truman (Democratic) was the president of the United States, and the number one song on Billboard 100 was [Not available]. What does this all mean? how to remove rain gutter nails; used police motorcycles for sale in los angeles, california Season 1. Fifth Third Bank, National Association. But, the way (up until this year) he's been able to each week dominate that sport. Dave Wannstedt Johnny Majors If it hadn't been for Steve Smear I really would not be here right now. The birth date of this man was December 23, 1948, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. reserved. Jack Ham, a man who would leave his mark on the world of American Football, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1948. In 1975, the Football News named him the Defensive Player of the Year. He then went on to a wildly successful career in the National Football League with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The legendary Disney Mouseketeer passed away in 2013 from complications due to multiple sclerosis, a disease she battled for more than 25 years. Jack Ham was a consensus All-America at Penn State and the 34th player taken in the 1971 National Football League Draft. See Photos. Select this result to view Joanne F Ham's phone number, address, and more. Several years ago, Ham who grew up skating in the same arena where the Jets played became part owner of the Johnstown Tomahawks. He served as a color commentator for national radio broadcasts of NFL games, and later hosted a show in Pittsburgh with Mark Madden on ESPN Radio 1250 during the NFL season. Joe DiMaggio and Gov. You can't have a good football team unless you get a team committed to get a little bit better every day in practice. But under Paternos system, Ham, 71, was given a chance to shine. Following his retirement from the NFL in 2006, after being supplanted by Ben Roethlisberger, the father of two, 48, returned to his native Texas, where he most recently coached youth baseball. Thank you. Copyright 225 Scaife Rd is a parcel of land located in Sewickley, Pennsylvania He didn't care whether they liked it or not and I really appreciate Mike Ditka's speech from Abe Lincoln. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. And also watching Dan Rooney and the rest of the organization realize after 42 years we had become champions, we had become winners and that probably is the biggest highlight, the biggest memory I will ever have. If youre doing your job well and defending your area, you might not get tested that often, or get a chance to make big plays.. We don't even want to think about going to war. He is now considered to be one of American football's greatest linebackers to ever play the position. I go back along way with one of these guys. If you could understand, bey I've coached 38 years, next year it will be my 9th year of coaching, to be able to come to this affair and to talk to Don Hutson, Paul Brown, my old college coach, Weeb Ewbank and all these people being inducted and l1ave been inducted and the four guys that you are inducting here today, it is a very moving moment for me. The best result we found for your search is Joanne F Ham age 60s in Portland, ME in the East Bayside neighborhood. Lived In Coraopolis PA. Related To Caroline Ham, Peter Ham, Jack Ham, John Ham. Birthplace: Johnstown, Pennsylvania I'm in the energy business. Jack is about to be a stay-at-home dad now that his wife is returning to law school, but it's not going to be easy with a teenage daughter who's getting busy with a boyfriend in her bedroom and a teenage son going through puberty who is starting to develop an interest in girls. They have no children. One thing about number34, Andy Russell, the person who probably influenced my game and made me the player I became was Andy Russell. He it also an assistant coach tor the 1971 W.VA. Stale Championship Team. Jack Ham, best known for being a Football Player, was born in Johnstown on Thursday, December 23, 1948. SS McCI 'ANE -- (Ballcl) Becky Is a performer and Principal Dancer with Orchcsis IModern Dante Honorary, Wesl Virginia Unlverslly/. The Pennsylvania State University a Creative Football is not an individual sport, he says. And one point I would like to make we would no way, we would have been able to win those games or win those championships if it wasn't for one man and that is pure and simple, Chuck Noll. On December 11, 2014, the Big Ten Network included Ham on "The Mount Rushmore of Penn State Football", as chosen by online fan voting. Then, in 1988, Ham's former football coach, Joe Paterno, inducted him into the National Football League Hall of Fame. 1975 AFC Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Oakland Raiders 10 Website design & development by americaneagle.com copyright 2021 Pro Football hall of fame all rights reserved, Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. Jack Ham was born on December 23, 1948 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA as Jack Raphael Ham Jr. He graduated from University of Miami / School of Medicine|University Of Miami School Of Medicine in 1999. Then, I got a call from one of the Pittsburgh TV stations, KDKA I think, and that's actually how I first found out. "Dobre Shunka" (either Polish or Slovak for "good ham") was Ham's nickname while playing, as well as the name of Ham's fan club in the 1970s. However, even throughout his outstanding successes at The Pennsylvania State University, he was still seen by many as an undersized player. [8][9] As these numbers indicate, Ham had a flair for the big play, guided by some of the best football instincts ever found in a linebacker. She was 70 years old. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Joanne is related to Melissa Ham and Judy Fay Ham as well as 3 additional people. They have also lived in Tucson, AZ. Lets find out! There wasn't No. But the thing I will remember most is the players. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. I guess, even when I went to Pittsburgh when I was drafted in the second round and Pittsburgh didn't have a very good football team in the prior two years, they were 1-13 and 5-9, not exactly winners and they weren't going anywhere. I just finished my 20th year of working with Steve Jones, the play-by-play guy, he says. That man revolutionized the position of middle linebacker and in two years he will be right here at this podium. Website design & development by americaneagle.com copyright 2021 Pro Football hall of fame all rights reserved, Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. 2. If you any have tips or corrections, please send them our way. #1 Greansfaoro, Pi. His birth sign is Capricorn and his life path number is 3. The 67-year-old father of two and grandfather of six splits his time between Naples, Florida, and Chicago. I came out here not really knowing what was involved. We will continue to update details on Jack Hams family. and has a legal description provided by the local assessor of 0510-F-00055-0000-00. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 1971 draft and went on to win four Super Bowls during a career that spanned 12 years including being named a Pro Bowl player eight seasons in a row. His sensational rookie training camp earned him a starting left linebacker spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first regular season game. Their on screen relationship was a fractured one, as . His 32 career interceptions rank him tied for first among all Hall of Fame linebackers. 8.9 (108) Rate. Member of the WVU GymnnsllcTcam 1966-68 (Southern Conference Champions] Trained In Florida under the 1MJ Men's Olympic Coaches and Team, and In Us Vegas under national and I n t e r n n l i o n In 1976. Intensely private, the NFL Hall-of-Famer, 67, rarely is sighted in Pittsburgh except for occasional memorabilia signings, including one in June that also featured Pittsburgh Pirates great Dick Groat. In February, his first year of eligibility, Polamalu was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Modern-Era member of the Class of 2020. I can't, Jack never played a bad game for us, he had 10 or 11 tackles, be blocked a punt, he had an intercepted pass, he recovered a fumble cause he was hustling. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest linebackers in league history. And while you can take the boy out of Johnstown, you cant take the Johnstown, and its love for hockey the former Johnston Jets inspired the 1977 film Slap Shot starring Paul Newman out of the boy. All rights reserved. Ham was a member of four Super Bowl winning teams during his 12-year career (although he did not play in Super Bowl XIV due to an ankle injury), all of it spent with the Steelers. [1][2] His 53 takeaways are the most in NFL history by a non-defensive back, while his 32 interceptions rank him 3rd all time among linebackers, behind Don Shinnick and Stan White. Class of 2010 enshrinee Floyd Little will make a return appearance to northeast Ohio this weekend. You heard Joe mention my mother who is out in the audience right now, my father who is probably looking down on these festivities right now and wondering how I did it, but there are a couple of other people out here as well. College football. Administrative Assistant II. Jack Ham Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Ditka, I used to think Ditka was a smart kid. He'd help me with my hands because he'd drill that ball at me so hard so any other quarterback when I was trying to intercept a pass wasn't as bad. It's homecoming night, but Frankie is bummed that his crush, Heather, is promised to another date and Rachel is protesting the school's "No Grinding" policy. , money, salary, income, and assets. However, when Ham finally reached the gridiron, there was no mistaking that he belonged there. We have no more heroes anymore, we don't have Lindburgs because space technology when we put it up when we put someone up in space its the technology that is the hero. Thomas and Dwayne Woodruff of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackle. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. She was born on August 12, 1946 in Uniontown, Pa, daughter of Stephen T. and Frances M. (Swartz) Balaban. FREEMAN OPTICAL COMPANY 38 W. Main St., Uniontown, P*. Jack Ham's nickname, "Dobre Shunka," means "good ham" in Polish. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest linebackers in league history. He made two tackles, one assist and had one pass defensed. [5], Ham is a minority owner of the North American Hockey League's Johnstown Tomahawks. Favorite Food: Pasta. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement, About the Literary and Cultural Heritage Maps of Pennsylvania, >http://www.profootballhof.com/history/release.jsp?release_id=765>, >http://www.collegefootball.org/famersearch.php?id=60020>, >http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=86>, Penn State We will continue to update this page, so bookmark it and come back often to see new updates. Bleifer, 54, told Closer. FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the practices disclosed in our privacy policy. Details His 32 career interceptions rank him tied for first among all Hall of Fame linebackers. He was one of the few outside linebackers who could play pass defense as well as the NFLs top safeties. Full Name: Jack Raphael Ham, Jr. Birthdate: December 23, 1948 Birthplace: Johnstown, Pennsylvania High School: Bishop McCourt (Johnstown, PA) Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: January 30, 1988 Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: July 30, 1988 Presenter: Joe Paterno, Penn State Football Coach Other Members of Class of 1988: Fred Biletnikoff, Mike Ditka . He sold the coal to other industries, such as power plants, utilities, and steel companies. He is affiliated with medical facilities French Hospital Medical Center and Marian Regional Medical Center. Normally the Hall of Fame would call you but I hadn't received the call so I thought I wasn't in. Ham played college ball at Penn State. Jack Raphael Ham, Jr. was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1948. Im signed up through three more years.. Last February, Polamalu was named head of player relations for the short-lived Alliance of American Football, which shuttered operations in the spring of 2019. He intercepted one pass for no yards. Ham and his wife Joanne currently reside in Sewickley Heights, Pennsylvania. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 23 December. There are a lot of people who help along the way to help you get here. Steven Herb, Ph.D., Founding Director (2000-2017), James McCready, Information Resources and Services Specialist. Linebackers Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Robin Cole and defensive backs Donnie Shell, J.T. Worked at Maritime Union of Australia. He had 251 career tackles, 143 unassisted. Ham started at left linebacker. Sign Up. 1972 AFC Miami Dolphins 21, Pittsburgh Steelers 17 University Park, PA 16802-1812 Joe thank you very much for those very kind words and I had notes up here but as the people up close to the audience can see, I have them in my coat pockets and I am getting dehydrated up here. Ham was named to the All-AFC team for the first time in 1973 and then was a universal All-Pro choice the next six seasons through the 1979 campaign. I think the idea that when everyone's gunning for you and you do it again, that in my career is most rewarding. Ham also headed Nationwide Drug Testing in Pittsburgh. Ham also won the Penn State Distinguished Alumni Award. All rights The confidence that the coaching staff showed throughout the spring off season had a huge impact on Ham, and it began to show the following season. Jack Raphael Ham, Jr. (born December 23, 1948) former American Football linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Work. Nov 5, 2006 Caroline Ham, the mother of Johnstown native and Pittsburgh Steelers star Jack Ham, was a gentle woman who loved her family, her caregivers said. Johnny Majors, the iconic University of Pittsburgh head football coach, who served for three-year stints both in the 1970s and the 90s, retired from coaching after the 1996 NCAA season. People would throw stuff at you and you had to go underneath that tunnel to go back into the locker room. Movies. She died on Tuesday at the age of. 8K Tonemapped JPG 14.91 MB. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. How did you learn of your Hall of Fame election? Top 3 Results for Joanne Ham. Jack Ham will always be the consummate The Pennsylvania State University player." In mid-2019 the newsletter of the PSU Alumni Association rated Ham first among the 100 greatest athletes, considering all sports and all previous football players, in University history. Joanne Ham. Jack Ham weighed 225 lbs (102 kg) when playing. [1] Ham was blessed with tremendous quickness according to Steelers coach Chuck Noll and teammate Andy Russell he was the "fastest Steeler for the first ten yards, including wide receivers and running backs". He is considered one of the greatest outside linebackers in the history of the NFL. Worked at Offshore Marine Services. Alan Page, I didn't know much about when he was in high school, but you in the Canton Catholic in those days and it was cheer, cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame so I didn't know much about Alan. After a rough freshman year in a time when freshmen did not see the varsity playing field, Ham found himself on the first string going into spring practice. He attended The Pennsylvania State University where he became one of the school's all time great football players. He really gave a lot of unsure, unknowing kids a standard, a standard to practice, how to handle yourself, ho~ to work under tremendous pressure, he was always in that huddle calm, cool no matter what the situation was. No. Jack Ham, a man who would leave his mark on the world of American Football, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1948. And in closing, all I would like to say is I hope all of you remember this road to Canton because all of us will be traveling this road in future years and I guarantee you it will be an annual event to help honor some of my teammates who were part of the greatest football team in the history of the NFL. Joanne Fell Ham, who is from my hometown (and is Jack Ham's wife), was on our flight. In college, I had great players around me. About. He looked at me, and then I said 'Oh Joe, I'm only kidding you. [citation needed] He was one of the few outside linebackers who could play pass defense as well as the NFL's top safeties. And then to show you how really smart I was, we had one scholarship left and we didn't know who to give it to and a guy by the name of Steve Smear who was a teammate of Jack Ham's at Johnston, Bishop McCort Catholic, you know there is a kid playing down at Massanuttens? Tommy Maddox He was first-team All-Pro six years and was named to eight straight Pro Bowls. Mike Ditka talked about practice, absolutely. He was able to diagnose plays. When was Jack Ham born? It wasn't important to Jack as to what people thought. Custom Gifts Engraving and Gold Plating. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest linebackers in league history. and has a legal description provided by the local assessor of 0510-F-00055-0000-00. There is also a life after football for Jack Ham. Jack Ham's Career Capsule. Super Bowl IX Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Minnesota Vikings 6 In November, he was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team, a roster of the greatest players in their respective positions. From 2007 to 2015, Jon Hamm and January Jones starred as Don and Betty Draper (who later became Betty Francis), respectively, on AMC's Mad Men. We implement drug-free workplace programs for companies, from background checks to drug testing to writing policy for companies, so that's my main job out here." Your greatest accomplishment outside of football: My marriage. Along with his job at Nationwide Drug Testing, Ham is also involved in broadcasting. People born on Thursdays are generally a fun to be around, which means Thursday's babies get to be the life of the party. Jack Lambert [2] Maxie Baughan, a former NFL linebacker said of Ham, "He was one of the more intelligent players to ever play that position. Even when he was finally drafted and signed by an NFL team, Ham had trouble making people believe he was qualified for the job. Ham started at left linebacker. As far as the Hall of Fame is, let me and the thought came to me when we were riding in the parade and I said to Jack going through the parade, ''you know you guys and we in football, don't realize what a terrible burden and responsibility we have. Classes ollered will range Trom beginning, lo n d v n n r r d level Polnle Work. LISA ELEK, Pennsylvania's 1977 Cinderella Tc-n and International Cinderella Girl Pageant's 1977-78 "World's Best Jazz-Acrobnile Taleni Award Winner". He won the starting left linebacker job as a rookie. They are driven, patient, strategic, determined, disciplined, responsible, and persistent. I told him that I really have some financial problems and could I borrow a couple hundred thousand dollars from him. Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Ham played with the Steelers from 1971 to 1982. Refine Your Search Results. All-Pro: 1974 (AP, FW, NEA, PW); 1975 (AP, FW, NEA, PW); 1976 (AP, FW, NEA, PW); 1977 (AP, FW, NEA, PW); 1978 (AP, FW, NEA, PW); 1979 (AP, FW, NEA, PW), All-Pro Second-Team: 1972 (PFWA); 1973 (AP, PFW, NEA); 1980 (NEA). Jack Raphael Ham Jr. (born December 23, 1948) is an American former professional football player who was an outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL) from 1971 to 1982. He was named to eight straight Pro Bowls. The Arivify.com account number for this parcel is ALL:0510F00055000000. He was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1988. Others named Joanne Ham. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Maxie Baughan, the great former NFL linebacker said of Ham, "He was one of the more intelligent players to ever play that position. Did he do the best he could under the circ1Jmstances with total concentration and dedication to the cause at the moment. He continued his education at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Virginia for a post-graduate season. High school. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Jack Ham was born in Johnstown, PA. How tall is Jack Ham? My wife is from Latrobe and they still think the Hall of Fame should be in Latrobe, but after spending three days with you folks, there just is no way it should be any place than where it is . right here. Ham was injured and did not play. The Arivify.com account number for this parcel is ALL:0510F00055000000. Last August, he starred opposite Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a humorous commercial for Head & Shoulders shampoo. I have been sweating up here for the last 15 to 20 minutes and the ink has kind of run a little bit, but I will kind of make do here. Art Rooney, Jr. almost ran him out of his rookie physical for the Steelers when he "thought [Ham] was the delivery boy." Joe Paterno taught me a lot more than just to be confident in myself and to play better football should not be the most important thing in your life. He had 251 career tackles, 143 unassisted. After retiring, he entered broadcasting and headed a drug-testing company. Trust me, it's a work in a progress, it always is. This property has an improvement value of 477500. How much did Jack Ham weigh when playing? She trained at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Jack Ham (Football Player) was born on the 23rd of December, 1948. Sergej MajborodaOriginal. Dne His Jlad 18 yenrs of ballet (mining and extensive study of the modern d a n r r form on or e c o i ' K c level wllh choreographer experience in bolll artas of dance. Super Bowl X Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17 Their strengths are adaptable, smart, cautious, acute, alert, positive, flexible, outgoing, and cheerful. Since then, he has been a FOX Sports studio analyst. 1979 AFC Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Houston Oilers 13 He has a brother named Joseph Zalupski. He blocked three punts in 1968, setting a school record that was not tied until 1989. He was even barred from the players entrance at Three Rivers Stadium before his debut game because the security guard at the door did not believe that he played in the NFL. He was on the All-Pro team nine consecutive years and was a unanimous selection on the NFL's Team of the Decade for the 1970s. His nickname was not just a childhood nickname, but it stayed with him throughout his playing days. Super Bowl XIV Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Los Angeles Rams 19 You know Harley Bags, Swanie, Stahlworth, Banazak, Webster, Blount and Rockey and a whole lot more and we won a lot of Super Bowls then . four Super Bowls in six years and we had great players. Last Book You Read: Hotel Pastis: A Novel of Provence by Peter Mayle. My hockey interest started way back when and just grew.. He was named the greatest outside linebacker of all time by a consortium of professional sports writers, beating Lawrence Taylor for this honor. Before Fame He played three years for the Penn State Nittany Lions; he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990. 17 Apr. Scouting reports in the National Football League said that he was too small to make it in the pros when the Steelers drafted him in the second round of the 1970 NFL draft. Former NFL linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1971 until 1982. Jo Ham is on Facebook. But, I take a lot of pride in it. For years he could be heard on NFL's Games of the Week on Westwood One Radio Network. Resides in Sewickley, PA. Much like his nickname states, Ham became quite good at playing outside linebacker. Although he was a ferocious hitter, he was known as a player who couldnt be fooled and was seldom out of position. High School: Bishop McCourt (Johnstown, PA) College. He and his wife Joanne settled in Sewickley Heights, Pennsylvania, following his retirement in 1982. 1. In closing I would just like to say that I don't get nostalgic too often that seeing this crowd out here and a lot of old friends from Johnstown, Woodville Heights and all over the place, you know I realize that the fans and my Dova-Shooka fan club up here on the right, you people are a great part of why we were a championship team for many years. But, he could embarrass you. He got me grounded early in my college career, as a student number one, and a football player, number two. Ham started at left linebacker. 1978 AFC Pittsburgh Steelers 34, Houston Oilers 5 But they can also be timid, unstable, stubborn, picky, lack of persistence, and querulous . Jack Ham was born in the Year of the Rat. But all of a sudden, I was surrounded by more winners, all of a sudden, the emergence of Bradshaw and Franco. He was always consistent. is 6'3"(1.91m) . 1. At 74 years old, Jack Ham height He is considered one of the greatest outside linebackers in the history of the NFL. His second interception he returned for 19 yards to the Raiders 9-yard-line to set up the Steelers go-ahead touchdown. If you could do your Enshrinement Speech over today, what would you change: I don't think I would. 2, my wife and I both really enjoy live theater. View the profiles of professionals named "Joanne Ham" on LinkedIn. /. People, fans, visiting team hated to come into Pittsburgh and play. Copyright Statement, Legal He earned a starting position as a rookie, named All-AFC or All-Pro seven straight years and was voted to eight consecutive Pro Bowls. Dave Wannstedt, a Pittsburgh native and former head coach of the University of Pittsburgh football team, returned to coaching in the NFL in 2010 before retiring near the end of 2013. When I came to Pittsburgh, I got to know Mario [Lemieux] and so forth, he says. On January 31, 2013, Ham was honored by the Tomahawks' organization with a bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans that entered the Cambria County War Memorial Arena for the Tomahawks' game against the Port Huron Fighting Falcons. I guess a few other people I would like to thank, and I will be very quick and very brief. and can be described as a Single Family. Favorite NFL Team as a Child: San Diego Chargers. Ham retired from professional football in 1982 and began a career as a radio personality. Hams career statistics include 25 sacks, 21 fumbles recovered, and 32 interceptions (although the sack numbers are unofficial since the NFL did not begin recording sacks until Hams final year in the league, so he officially has just three sacks). Jack Ham zodiac sign is a Capricorn. When being interviewed for the book Penn State Nittany Lions, Where Have You Gone? In his 12 year pro career, spanning from 1971-1982, Ham won four Super Bowls with the Steelers' organization. Ham, who was born December 23, 1948, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, quickly earned the reputation as a big-play defender and one of the finest outside linebackers in the game. Majors died in June at the age of 85. 2. He has been a great friend of mine and a friendship I cherish today, and he just set the tone for a free safety made himself a great football player and all pro and a leader of our secondary that is number 23, Mike Wagner.