Broncos greatest players of all time: #13, linebacker Tom Jackson (2024)

As the march to training camp rolls along, so to does the march to the top of the MHR Top-50 Denver Broncos of all time. Today we find ourselves examining the impact of one of the most influential players for the franchise, Tom Jackson.

Tom Jackson Career Stats

Year Age Pos GS Int Yds TD Lng Fmb FR Yds TD Sk Sfty AV Awards
Year Age Pos GS Int Yds TD Lng Fmb FR Yds TD Sk Sfty AV Awards
1973 22 LB 4 0 0 2
1974 23 RLB/LLB 12 1 39 0 39 0 0 0 0 4 5
1975 24 LLB 14 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 7
1976 25 ROLB/RLB 14 7 136 1 46 1 2 0 0 4 12
1977*+ 26 ROLB 13 4 95 1 73 1 0 0 0 4 16 AP1, PB
1978* 27 ROLB 16 3 28 1 28 0 0 0 0 3 11 AP2, PB
1979* 28 ROLB 13 1 34 0 34 0 2 70 0 3.5 8 PB
1980 29 ROLB 16 0 5.5 7
1981 30 ROLB 16 0 0 1 0 0 0 8
1982 31 ROLB 9 1 8 0 8 0 0 0 0 1 7
1983 32 ROLB 15 1 0 0 0 0 2 34 0 5.5 8
1984 33 ROLB 16 0 0 1 0 0 6 10
1985 34 ROLB 5 0 0 3
1986 35 ROLB 14 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 5

I’ll start with a personal story about Jackson. After retiring Jackson published a book with Woody Paige. Blitz came out in 1987, the year after he retired. He made an appearance at a book store in Greeley, Colorado. My dad took my brother and I to meet him. We were late. Some of the last people in the store. He could have left. It was past the time he needed to be there. He stayed for what my mind tells me was hours. He talked to a 7 and 4 year old kid forever. We probably asked him the dumbest questions. He talked to my dad. He was awesome. He signed our book. I was still too young to really understand what was happening, but he could have signed the book and sent us on our way. We would have been happy with that. He did more than he needed to do. Above and beyond. It was reminiscent of who he was on the field.

The Tom Jackson that most people know is Chris Berman’s partner from NFL Countdown, or Primetime. He joined ESPN the same year he turned me into a lifelong fan (who didn’t have cable until 1999 and almost never got to see him on TV).

But all the media stuff is just an extension of what Tom Jackson was on the field for the Broncos. He was their voice. Most people call him TJ or Tommy, but my dad called him, “The Lip.”

I don’t know if that’s an official nickname, but Jackson could trash talk with the best. His iconic, “It’s all over, Fat Man!” shouted at John Madden as the Broncos destroyed the Oakland Raiders to go 5-0 and hand Oakland its first loss of the season, is commemorated all over Broncos websites.

At 5’ 11” and 220 pounds, it was his speed that made him such a dominating player in Joe Collier’s defense. While playing ROLB, he could run down the fastest backs, and keep up with wide receivers. He was vicious, and had a nose for the ball.

A discussion about the Orange Crush Defense must include Jackson. While Randy Gradishar was the best player, and Lyle Alzado was the attack dog, with Louis Wright locking down one side of the field, Jackson was the inspiration. Every great defense has a guy who sparks the rest of the team to greatness. That was TJ.

He was the button pusher (think Shannon Sharpe on defense), and was more than happy to get under opposing player’s skin. His style was perfectly suited for the 3-4 defense utilized by Joe Collier.

Jackson retired with 20 interceptions, 3 returned for a TD. He amassed 40 sacks, which isn’t a lot, but it wasn’t his job. He also ended his career with over a thousand tackles and 94 PD (unofficially). His career 191 games is 4th on the all-time list behind Jason Elam (236), John Elway (234), and Tom Nalen (194).

Broncos greatest players of all time: #13, linebacker Tom Jackson (1)

I included this image of stats from Pro Football Journal just to paint a more complete picture of Jackson’s statistical impact.

I think my favorite part of this series is seeing the comments, and learning what everyone thinks about these players. I can’t wait to read stories that I know our community will have about TJ.

Jackson will be inducting Randy Gradishar into the Pro Football Hall of Fame soon. His love for his teammates is incredible. He is a Denver Bronco for life, and I know that he will spend a lot of time honoring his friend. I promise he will also use his bully pulpit to pound the table for his Orange Crush teammates. A true inspiration.

On this list, #13, but one of the best representatives of this franchise, Tom Jackson.

Broncos greatest players of all time: #13, linebacker Tom Jackson (2024)

FAQs

Broncos greatest players of all time: #13, linebacker Tom Jackson? ›

Jackson retired with 20 interceptions, 3 returned for a TD. He amassed 40 sacks, which isn't a lot, but it wasn't his job. He also ended his career with over a thousand tackles and 94 PD (unofficially).

How many Broncos made the top 100? ›

Only one Bronco made Pete Prisco's list of top 100 NFL players
  • Pete Brisco of CBS Sports recently released his list of the Top 100 players in the NFL and only one Denver Broncos player made the cut.
  • The only Bronco to make the cut is star cornerback Pat Surtain, ranked No. 25.
7 days ago

Who is the Denver Broncos all time leading rusher? ›

The Denver Broncos player with the most rushing yards in franchise history is Terrell Davis with 7,607 yards. This all-time rushing leader is followed by Floyd Little and Sammy Winder with 6,323 yards and 5,427 yards respectively.

What are the Denver Broncos known for? ›

They won Super Bowl XXXII, Super Bowl XXXIII and Super Bowl 50. Their most famous player is former quarterback John Elway, starting quarterback in five Super Bowls and holder of many NFL records. The Broncos currently play in the National Football League's AFC West division.

How many Hofers do the Broncos have? ›

The Denver Broncos have 15 Pro Football Hall of Famers and 34 members in their Ring of Fame.

Who scored the most on the Broncos? ›

Denver Broncos Career Scoring Summary Leaders
  • All-time Rushing Leader: Terrell Davis 1,655 att, 7,607 yds, 60 TD.
  • All-time Receiving Leader: Rod Smith 849 rec, 11,389 yds, 68 TD.
  • All-time Scoring Leader: Jason Elam 1,786 points.
  • All-time AV Leader: John Elway 206 AV.
  • Winningest Coach: Mike Shanahan 138-86-0.

Who is the best Broncos player ever? ›

DENVER BRONCOS TOP 100 TEAM
PlayerPositionYears
John ElwayQB1983-98
Simon FletcherLB/DE1985-95
Steve FoleyCB/S1976-86
Cookie GilchristFB1965, '67
96 more rows

Who was the best running back for the Broncos? ›

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Davis was drafted by the Broncos in the sixth round (196th pick overall) of the 1995 NFL draft. He is the Denver Broncos' all-time leading rusher, with 7,607 rushing yards.

Who is the Broncos best wide receiver of all-time? ›

The greatest wide receiver in Denver Broncos history went undrafted in the 1995 NFL Draft. Mile High Salute, Rod Smith!

Who makes the most touchdowns in Denver Broncos? ›

Rod Smith is the career touchdown leader of the Denver Broncos having scored 71 touchdowns throughout his career.

Who has the most touchdowns on the Broncos this season? ›

Courtland Sutton had the most total touchdowns for the Broncos in 2023, with 10 touchdowns.
NAMETDREC TD
Courtland Sutton1010
Javonte Williams52
Brandon Johnson44
Russell Wilson30
8 more rows

Who has beat the Broncos the most? ›

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders are tied for the most wins against the Broncos, with 72 wins.

How many centurion Broncos were made? ›

Centurion built roughly 15,000 of these off-roading people-haulers between 1987 and 1996, when Ford ceased production of the Bronco.

Do all Broncos come with a hard top? ›

The 2-Door Ford Bronco comes standard with a Hard Top Carbonized Gray Molded Roof that is easily removed and stored in the provided storage bag.

What is the Broncos best record ever? ›

Denver Broncos
YearRecordFinish (Regular / Post Season)
199814-2-03-0 - Won Superbowl
199712-4-04-0 - Won Superbowl
199613-3-00-1 - Lost Divisional Playoffs
19958-8-0--
60 more rows

Does the top come off of all Broncos? ›

Yes, they do, but there are some differences. The 2-door Broncos come with removable hard-top roofs while all 4-door Broncos come with a retractable soft-top. If you want a hard-top on a 4-door Bronco or a soft-top on a 2-door Bronco, you must go through the optional equipment route.

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