Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell reacts in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on Oct. 17, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Longtime Penn State broadcaster and NFL Hall of Famer Jack Ham is in stable condition after experiencing a medical emergency prior to Saturday’s game between the Nittany Lions and the University of Washington.
Penn State coach Matt Campbell provided an update on Ham’s health in his postgame press conference, and praised longtime play-by-play partner Steve Jones for his “heroic effort.”
Matt Campbell opens up postgame with an update on Jack Ham pic.twitter.com/dxxBFSXsSl
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) November 8, 2026
Ham experienced the emergency arriving at Husky Stadium, and was transported across the street to UW Medical Center to receive treatment.
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A former Penn State linebacker who went on to enjoy a Hall of Fame NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ham has been part of his alma mater’s broadcast team since 2000.
Jones added football play-by-play duties that same year; he’s been calling Penn State basketball games since 1982. He also did the play-by-play for Lady Lions basketball for six years.
“We should all know Steve Jones and the heroic effort for what he did for someone he loves dearly,” Campbell said. “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.”
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Ham, 77, played linebacker at Penn State from 1968-70, earning consensus All-America honors as a senior and helping the Nittany Lions to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1969.
Penn State beat Washington 28-25 without Ham in the booth. Campbell said he told the Nittany Lions players about Ham’s status ahead of the game.
“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. “Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with him for a full recovery.”