Today Jackson's recognizable face can be seen on ESPN's NFL GameDay and Primetime shows every autumn weekend. Although football will always be a part of his life, Tom now has a different angle from which to view the gridiron - watching the action from a comfortable seat in a television studio. As a commentator for ESPN, he adds an insightful, reasonable voice to the network's high-charged coverage of the NFL. As a motivational speaker Tom brings the experience, lessons, and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the NFL and life. Tom has a spirited and inspirational message that will equip your team to perform at the top of their game. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 4, 1951, Tom grew up watching the Cleveland Browns.

After a stellar high school career, it seemed he might be on his way to playing Division I and even NFL football. But Tom soon learned that college and NFL teams weren't knocking down the doors of 5-11 defensive backs who weighed less than 200 pounds. However, when Lee Corso of the Louisville Cardinals came knocking, he answered and developed into one of the country's best small-college linebackers. Tom Jackson spent three seasons with the Cardinals leading the team in tackles all three years and earning All-Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors in 1970 and 1972. Following his collegiate career, Jackson was selected in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft. Little did they know it but the Denver Broncos had then secured a future All-Pro Player. For the next 14 seasons, Jackson would wear the Orange and Blue as an outside linebacker starting in 179 games. His 191 career games- played is second all-time on the Denver list, trailing only John Elway. Voted onto the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1992, Jackson earned two trips to the Super Bowl, three trips to the Pro Bowl and was twice named first-team All-Pro. One of the most popular players in Bronco history, Jackson was recognized by his teammates a franchise record six times as Denver's most inspirational player prior to his retirement in 1986. He retired fifth on the Broncos' all-time sacks list with 44 and was tied for the franchise lead in interceptions by a linebacker with 20.