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.

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).

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.