Pittsburgh Steelers alum Jack Ham is recovering after experiencing a medical emergency and being rushed to the hospital on Saturday, moments before broadcasting the Penn State football game.
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Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell informed his team when players gathered for their pre-game prayer, per The Collegian.
After the team's 28-25 victory over the University of Washington, Campbell told reporters that Ham experienced a medical emergency shortly after arriving at Husky Stadium.
Campbell also praised the "heroic efforts" of Ham's broadcast partner, Steve Jones, who quickly assisted the ex-NFL star.
"It was a gut-wrenching day for Penn State football, with Jack Ham. Obviously a really tough situation as we got off the buses here," Campbell said.
Campbell confirmed Ham is in stable condition.
"We should all know Steve Jones and the heroic effort that he did for someone he loves dearly. If not for Steve and what he did, I don't know if we would have as good news as we have right now."
Penn State Pulls Off Gutsy Win After Legendary Alum Was Hospitalized
Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht said the team was motivated to honor the hospitalized legend in the win over Washington.
"(Campbell) just lit a fire under us to go out there to play for (Ham). But to play for us as well," Rocco Becht said. "I think we had so much confidence going into this game. And that just sparked it up a little bit more."
Ham was a three-year starting linebacker at Penn State beginning in 1968. Ham joined the Penn State radio crew in 2000.
"That guy is a tremendous guy for the program in general. What he's been able to do here at Penn State and what he was able to do in the NFL," Becht said. "That guy means the world to all of us."
"It was awesome to be able to go win the football game for him and his family. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with him on a full recovery," Campbell said.
Ham, a four-time Super Bowl champion, is 77.
He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
