ESPN's Tom Jackson to Receive Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will honor ESPN NFL analyst Tom Jackson with the prestigious Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award during the 2015 Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio on Saturday, August 8. Established in 1989, the award annually recognizes "longtime exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football."

Jackson joined ESPN in 1987 after a 14-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos. This fall marks his 29th season as an analyst on ESPN's signature pregame show, Sunday NFL Countdown. He also appears on MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN and SportsCenter's Sunday night "NFL Blitz" highlights segment and is part of ESPN's annual on-site coverage of SUPER BOWL week and the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.

Jackson and veteran NFL host Chris Berman - the 2010 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award recipient - have worked together since Jackson joined ESPN. Among the duo's most notable accomplishments is revolutionizing NFL highlights on the critically-acclaimed NFL Primetime, cable's top-rated studio program during its 18-year run (1987-2005).

As a player, Jackson spent his entire career with the Broncos, anchoring the defense at linebacker. He played in three Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls and was inducted into Denver's "Ring of Fame" in 1992.

"Playing in the National Football League was a dream come true, but never did it occur to me that I'd have a second career so gratifying and an award like this bestowed upon me," Jackson said. "I admire and deeply respect the former recipients of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. I'm so honored to join this club. And to all those who have contributed to my success as a broadcaster, I humbly and sincerely say thank you."

In addition to Jackson's honor, ESPN NFL analyst Jerome Bettis and NFL Front Office Insider Bill Polian are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2015 that will be inducted in August.

ESPN colleagues react to Tom Jackson's Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award honor:

"For almost a half century, Tom has been nothing short of an ambassador for pro football. He was a PRO BOWL player with the Broncos for 14 years, and he's entering his 29th year as a PRO BOWL broadcaster at ESPN. Very few have done that. Tom has thrilled three generations of NFL fans, and I'm happy to say I'm one of them. Tom, nobody deserves the Pete Rozelle Award more than you. Congratulations, my friend."

-ESPN NFL host Chris Berman, recipient of the 2010 Pete Rozelle Radio-TV Award

"For almost three decades, Tom has brought the same enthusiasm to our studio shows as he did to Denver's Orange Crush defense. He has strong relationships with players and coaches throughout the league and he has demonstrated the ability to connect with fans on a very personal level. He is highly deserving of this honor."

- ESPN executive vice president of programming and production John Wildhack

"Tom is passionate about the game, well respected around the league, and has been unfailingly insightful on TV for the last 28 years. He most definitely belongs in the distinguished company of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award winners. Tom is a class act in every sense."

To post a comment, you must register and login.