Jack Ham update: Penn State’s Steve Jones praised for ‘heroic effort’

Former NFL Hall of Famer Jack Ham remains in stable condition following a medical emergency prior to Saturday’s game between Penn State and the University of Washington. Coach Matt Campbell shared an update on Ham’s health during a postgame press conference, commending longtime play-by-play partner Steve Jones for his “heroic effort.”

Ham, who played linebacker at Penn State from 1968 to 1970, earning consensus All-America honors and helping the team achieve consecutive undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1969, has been part of the Nittany Lions’ broadcast team since 2000. He began his football play-by-play duties with the team in 2000, also serving as the broadcaster for Penn State basketball games since 1982 and the Lady Lions basketball games for six years.

Campbell noted that Jones’ actions were crucial, stating, “If it’s not for Steve and what he did, I don’t know if we’d have as good news as we did right now.” Without Jones’ assistance, Penn State would have reported a different result, with the team winning the game 28-25 without Ham in the booth.

Campbell told the players about Ham’s status before the game, emphasizing the impact Ham has had on the football program. “The courage of our kids to play with what Jack Ham means to Penn State football, how that guy played the game, how that guy to this day still serves our football program, it was awesome to be able to go win the football game for him and his family,” Campbell said. The team continues to send their thoughts and prayers for Ham’s full recovery.