Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history

2. Jack Ham (1971-82)

If players like James Harrison and Jack Lambert brought the ferocity, then Ham brought the finesse. Once again, we don’t have many of the main statistics we use to judge great players now because they were unofficial when Ham played. Still, we know Ham recorded 32 career interceptions, including seven that he hauled in during the 1972 season. That ties him with Nick Buoniconti and Lee Roy Jordan for the third most interceptions by a linebacker in league history.

Like his counterpart, who you’ll see soon, Ham was a pillar of the Steelers 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls. The former second round pick went to eight consecutive Pro Bowls from 1973 through 1980. He was a First Team All-Pro in six consecutive seasons (1974-79) and was a Second Team All-Pro in 1973 and 1980. His versatility and turnover generating playing style got him named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame First Team All-1970s Team.

Ham was a technician at linebacker. While he was capable of dishing out a hard hit, as most Steelers in the 1970s were, he was also impeccable in pass coverage. Even against the run, Ham was rarely out of position, and if he was his athleticism and speed allowed for a quick recovery. His abilities allowed for other Steelers to rush the quarterback and focus on creating terror.

They also helped him be in the right place to recover 21 fumbles during his 12-year career. Ham is also said to have recorded 25 sacks, but only three that he recorded in his final season are actually official.