30 greatest NFL defensive players of all-time
By Daniel Tran
26. Jack Ham, Outside Linebacker
In many NFL circles, Jack Ham maybe the best outside linebacker ever to play the game. With his special mix of speed, strength, and intelligence, Ham was able to assist the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl titles during his tenure.
If there were one word to describe Ham’s skill set, it would be versatile. He was always in position to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback (25 sacks), but where he really made an impact was turning the ball over.
Ham used his quickness to break for passes in the air and intercepted the ball 32 times in his career, which ranks third among linebackers. He also recovered 21 fumbles, resulting in an NFL record 53 total takeaways for a non-defensive back.
Playing alongside Jack Lambert, who is No. 29 on this list, Ham was selected to eight Pro Bowls and six First-team All-Pro teams. He was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
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