Native Clevelander Tom Jackson launched his illustrious football career at John Adams High where he starred for two seasons before moving on to the University of Louisville in 1969. After winning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors as a sophomore in 1970 and as a senior in 1971, he began a history-making 14-year career with the Denver Broncos of the NFL in 1973. When his career ended, he had played the most games (191) in Broncos history, a total since surpassed by John Elway, who is also the only player to have played more seasons (16) with Denver. Jackson made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 1977 through 1979, was named All-Pro in 1977 and 1978 and was the Broncos defensive MVP in 1974, ’76 and ’77. In 1977 he was also named the AFC “Linebacker of the Year” and was voted the team’s “Most Inspirational Player” for six straight seasons. Six years after his retirement in 1986 he was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame, an honor reserved for Denver’s all-time best players. He became a television football analyst after his playing days ended and is currently seen on ESPN’s NFL Primetime and NFL Sunday and Monday Night Countdown shows. He presently makes his home in Cincinnati.
Fencing coach at Case Western Reserve University, head fencing coach for the Cleveland Division of Recreation and a charter member of the U.S. Academy of Arms, he was responsible for the development of numerous fencing programs in the city. Was selected as a coach of the U.S. Pan-American team in 1971 and coached in the World Fencing Championships in 1971 and 1972. Served two terms as vice-president of the National Fencing Coaches Association of America.
Director of the Cleveland Athletic Club for nearly five years and a leading figure in AAU activities. Served as chairman of the National AAU Boxing Committee and was a member, manager or chairman of several U.S. Olympic Boxing Teams. The Jimmy Lee Foundation now provides college scholarships for deserving Cleveland high school athletes annually.
Organizer, first president (1941-42) and director (1942-55) of the Greater Cleveland Knights of Columbus Track Meet, he played a major role in making the meet one of the top indoor track and field meets in the country. Served as president of the Northeastern Ohio AAU in 1945-46, was a member of the National AAU Board of Governors and a member of the U.S. Olympic delegation in 1948 and 1952.
Creator of a scholarship fund in 1940 which quickly grew into the Cleveland District Golf Association Caddie Foundation. Served as chairman of that Foundation for its first 32 years, during which time college scholarships worth over $378,000 were awarded to 314 boys. Served as president of the Cleveland District Golf Association in 1941 and was also a president of Lakewood Country Club.
Wrestling coach at Cleveland John Hay High School from 1934 to 1943 and at Cleveland West High School from 1944 to 1951, he produced eight state championship teams while compiling a record of 150 wins, 30 losses and one tie. He was the national high school representative to the National Collegiate Wrestling Rules Committee from 1943 to 1956 and was inducted into the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1971.
Served the Cleveland school system for forty years (1933-73) as a teacher and football coach, as supervisor of Physical Welfare and as Director of Athletics for the Cleveland Board of Education. Helped develop the Junior Olympics and Life Time Sports programs, both locally and nationally. Held the presidency of state and national associations of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and was secretary of the Cleveland Senate Athletic Council for 22 years.
Publisher of The Cleveland Kegler, one of the two oldest weekly bowling publications in the country, he was elevated to both the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame and the Greater Cleveland Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1971. Started the first charity bowling tournament in the nation. Began the Cleveland Press Charity Bowling Tournament and was co-originator of the Cleveland Plain Dealer “I Beat The Champion” Charity Tournament.
Elected to American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, 1967. Recorded a season average of 238 in 1934-35, establishing a national record which endured for 37 years. Finished second in ABC Tournament singles in 1920. Compiled a 191 average in ABC Tournament competition over 25 years. Was considered one of Cleveland’s finest bowlers for nearly 30 years.
Elected to American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, 1976. Won ABC Tournament doubles championship in 1953 with Eddie Koepp. Won every Cleveland and Ohio title “team, doubles, singles and all-events” during his career. Bowled in 40 ABC tournaments starting in 1921 and compiled a 194 average. Twice won National Elks all-events championship and finished sixth in BPAA All-Star Tournament three times.