“Celebrating a Legacy: SWAC Alumni Pay Tribute to Jackson State’s Hall of Fame Football Icon”

Robert Brazile, a Jackson State University icon and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker, is set to be honored with the Roscoe Nance Lifetime Achievement Award at the SWAC Alumni Association’s Legends Awards and Roast on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Flowood.

The gathering will transpire at the Sheraton Refuge Hotel and Conference Center, commencing at 7 pm.

The Mobile, Ala. native joined Jackson State University’s football squad in 1971 and ultimately departed the field as a legend of the game. Not extensively pursued after graduating from Vigor High School in Pritchard, Ala., Brazile and his high school companion, Rickey Young, visited Jackson State. Tigers head coach Robert “Bob” Hill recruited both.

Brazile was initially recruited as a tight end but was transitioned to linebacker during his freshman year, a position where he would shine for the remainder of his football journey, both at the collegiate and professional levels. He epitomized the role of a linebacker, being tall (6-4, 241), powerful, speedy (4.6, 40), and a relentless tackler. He earned the title of Defensive MVP at the 1971 Alabama High School All-Star Football Game. Throughout his tenure at Jackson State, Brazile was a living highlight reel, particularly in his senior year of 1974.

He received All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) honors, led the league in total tackles (208) and interceptions (9), participated in the Senior Bowl, and earned a spot on the Sheridan Black College All-America Team. During his four years at JSU, the Tigers amassed a record of 30-10-1 and clinched consecutive SWAC titles in 1972 and 1973.

Brazile concluded a remarkable college career by being chosen sixth overall in the initial round of the 1975 NFL Draft. His college roommate, Walter Payton (yes, that Walter Payton) was selected fourth in the same round of the 1975 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. They became the only teammates from a Mississippi college or HBCU institution to be drafted within the top 10 selections in NFL Draft history. Remember Brazile’s Vigor High teammate, Rickey Young? He played fullback for JSU and was selected in the seventh round of the 1975 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, going on to play nine seasons in the NFL.

Three players from the 1974 Jackson State squad, including Brazile, are now enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame. The other two are Payton and Jackie Slater. If Brazile’s college career could be characterized as a human highlight reel, then the main feature was presented during his NFL tenure, all spent with the Houston Oilers (1975 to 1984). Brazile never missed a game and started 147 consecutive games with the Oilers throughout his decade-long career.

His NFL highlights include recognition as Defensive Rookie of the Year (1975), two-time first team All Pro (1978, 1979), four-time second team All Pro (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981), seven-time Pro Bowl (1976-1982), selection to the NFL 1970s All Decade Team, and induction into the Titans Oilers Ring of Honor.

During his inaugural year with the Oilers, Brazile earned the moniker “Dr. Doom” from one of his teammates. The media swiftly embraced the nickname, including Howard Cosell. The Association’s Legends Awards and Roast annually celebrates former student-athletes as well as current or past coaches, athletics administrators, or staff members who have made positive contributions to the historic conference.

Proceeds from the Legends Awards and Roast support the SWAC Alumni Association’s Degree Completion Scholarship Fund, which offers financial assistance to student-athletes within the conference whose eligibility has lapsed and who are within 30 hours of graduating.