Steelers Legend Diagnosed with Dementia at 76 – Can’t Speak, But Still Remembers Playing for the Steelers
Pittsburgh, PA – The NFL community is devastated after learning that Jack Ham, one of the greatest linebackers in Pittsburgh Steelers history, has been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 76. This heartbreaking condition has reportedly left him unable to speak and struggling to recognize those closest to him.
According to his family, the former star has moved into a full-time care facility, where he receives the round-the-clock medical attention he requires. His memory and cognitive abilities have declined rapidly in recent months, marking a tragic shift from the athletic greatness he once displayed on the field.
His wife shared a poignant update:
“He can’t speak anymore. He only remembers our children’s names and that he once played football. He doesn’t even know my name. Doctors say it’s Frontotemporal Dementia, and I believe constant head trauma from his football career caused it. This game gave him everything, and now, it’s taking his mind.”
The man she’s speaking about is Jack Ham, the Hall of Fame linebacker who helped anchor the Pittsburgh Steelers' dominant defense during their four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Ham was a central figure in the "Steel Curtain" defense, which made the Steelers one of the most feared teams in NFL history.
Over his 12-year career with the Steelers, Ham recorded 25 interceptions and 32 sacks, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and intelligent linebackers to ever play the game. His ability to read plays, combined with his relentless pursuit of the ball, made him a key part of one of the most formidable defenses in NFL history. His leadership and contributions to the Steelers' championship runs are still celebrated today.
However, the physical toll of football, particularly the head trauma associated with the game, has caught up with Ham. Despite his legendary career, his current condition serves as a harsh reminder of the long-term consequences of head injuries in the NFL. The lasting impact of these injuries, which many players face after their careers, is an issue that has come to the forefront in recent years, and Ham’s diagnosis underscores the need for greater awareness and support for former players dealing with these challenges.
Today, the glory of his playing days seems distant. Ham can only faintly recall fragments of his Super Bowl victories, the names of his teammates, and the Steelers fans who cheered him on. This is a devastating reflection of how cruel dementia can be, particularly for those who gave so much to the sport.
Across the Steelers' faithful, fans and former teammates have united with prayers and support. Jack Ham once embodied the heart of Pittsburgh football — tough, unbreakable, and proud. Now, the hope is that the same fierce spirit that helped him dominate on the field will help him face the toughest battle of his life.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have honored Ham’s legacy by inducting him into the team’s Hall of Fame and retiring his jersey number 59. His contributions to the team and to the NFL will never be forgotten, and his legacy continues to inspire both current players and fans.
As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming games, the memory of Jack Ham’s contributions to the team and the game will undoubtedly continue to resonate. His legacy is a reminder of the sacrifices made by athletes and the importance of supporting them through their challenges, both on and off the field.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack Ham and his family during this incredibly difficult time. May his strength and determination continue to inspire all who know his story.
Colts resurgence has one gigantic red flag nobody’s talking about
There are a few reasons why the Colts are still fighting for respect despite their record.
It is really simple: the Colts are red hot. A 7–1 record, one of the best offenses in football, all while resurrecting a quarterback once labeled as a bust — it’s a lot to get done in one year. However, what should we make of a team that last made the AFC Championship Game in 2015? A year in which their star running back was still in high school, and their oldest player, long snapper Luke Rhodes, was still in college. How are we to view contenders when their institutional knowledge of winning is virtually nonexistent?
The odd thing is this isn’t only found in this Colts team. The top four teams in the AFC halfway through the year haven’t seen sustained playoff success in recent memory, and many haven’t been to the playoffs in some time.
At the top are the Colts, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. Then the Patriots, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2018. The Broncos, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2015. And finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have lost in the Wild Card or missed the playoffs every year since 2020.
Obviously, you can’t be a winner until you start winning, so I want to stay away from “moving the goalposts” simply because a poor team last season is winning this year. To think, though, that an 8–9 Colts team from 2024 would be 7–1 in 2025 would have been difficult for anyone to believe this summer during OTAs.
There are a few reasons why the Colts are still fighting for respect despite their record.
So, what should we believe? As Chiefs fans, we’ve seen the end of Brady and the Patriots’ chokehold on the conference, and we have seen over the years the resurgence of teams like the Titans, Bengals, Bills, Ravens, and Dolphins as potential standard-bearers of the AFC. What makes this Colts team different, for good or bad?
First of all, the running game sets the Colts apart. Jonathan Taylor is a nightmare, and a good run game has historically made for a well-rounded offense and is difficult to stop in the postseason. Compiling 850 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns through eight weeks is an outstanding start and something to be fearful of with the Colts moving forward. Averaging three rushing yards before contact, Taylor benefits from a great offensive line to open lanes for him. A consistent run game makes life easy for both Daniel Jones in the passing game and for the Colts defense, staying off the field.
A better-than-average defense has kept the Colts’ opponents at bay. Ranked 23rd in yards allowed, the Colts are letting teams move the ball all over them. However, they’re ranked 6th in points allowed, meaning they hold their opponents to field goals or they force turnovers, in which they are also ranked 3rd. It is worth noting that the Colts allow almost as many first downs on defense as their offense picks up, but they find a way to get off the field. Whether this defense finds sustained success in the second half of the season remains to be seen.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, a more than ideal schedule. The only teams the Colts have played that are above .500 are the Broncos, Rams, and Chargers. The rest of the opponents they have played are a combined 7–23 through the first eight weeks of the season. Hard to see a team underperforming when they have had opponents like the Colts have thus far in 2025.
With a remaining schedule that includes bouts against Kansas City, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Seattle, it seems improbable that this Colts team maintains a single blemish on their record throughout the second half. Moving forward, we will most definitely see a Colts team that will be challenged, and how they respond will be the true test of whether this team is as good as it seems.
