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

Robert Brazile, a Jackson State University icon and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker, will 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 occasion will take place 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 eventually departed the field as a figure of renown. Not heavily sought after from Vigor High School in Pritchard, Ala., Brazile and his high school companion, Rickey Young, toured Jackson State. Tigers head coach Robert “Bob” Hill welcomed both players.

Brazile was recruited as a tight end, but during his freshman year was transitioned to linebacker, a role in which he excelled throughout his career, both at the collegiate and professional levels. He epitomized the linebacker position. He was large (6-4, 241), powerful, quick (4.6, 40), and a formidable tackler. He was named the Defensive MVP of the 1971 Alabama High School All-Star Football Game. Over his time at Jackson State, Brazile was akin to a highlight reel, particularly in his senior year of 1974.

He earned All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) honors, topped the conference in total tackles (208) and interceptions (9), participated in the Senior Bowl, and was named to the Sheridan Black College All-America Team. Throughout his four years at JSU, the Tigers maintained a record of 30-10-1 and secured consecutive SWAC championships in 1972 and 1973.

Brazile concluded a remarkable collegiate journey by being chosen sixth overall in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft. His college roommate, Walter Payton (yes, that Walter Payton) was selected fourth overall in the first round of the 1975 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. They became the sole teammates from a Mississippi college or HBCU team to be drafted within the top 10 picks in the annals of the NFL Draft. 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, where he played for nine seasons.

Three players from the 1974 Jackson State squad, including Brazile, have since entered the NFL Hall of Fame. The others are Payton and Jackie Slater. If Brazile’s college career could be likened to a highlight reel, then the main feature unfolded during his NFL tenure, which he spent entirely with the Houston Oilers (1975 to 1984). Brazile never missed a game and commenced 147 consecutive games with the Oilers over his 10-year span.

His NFL highlights include earning 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 selection (1976-1982), a position on the NFL 1970s All Decade Team, and inclusion in the Titans Oilers Ring of Honors.

During his inaugural season with the Oilers, Brazile acquired 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 recognizes former student-athletes as well as past or present coaches, athletic administrators or staff members who have made significant contributions to the enduring conference.

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