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

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 is scheduled to take place at the Sheraton Refuge Hotel and Conference Center, commencing at 7 pm.

A native of Mobile, Ala., he joined Jackson State University’s football squad in 1971 and eventually departed the field as a sports legend. Largely overlooked after graduating from Vigor High School in Pritchard, Ala., Brazile and his high school companion, Rickey Young, toured Jackson State. Coach Robert “Bob” Hill signed both athletes.

While initially recruited as a tight end, Brazile was transitioned to linebacker during his freshman year, where he would thrive throughout his football journey, both at the college level and in the professional arena. He epitomized the ideal linebacker. Standing tall (6-4, 241), he was robust, quick (4.6 in the 40), and a fearless, effective tackler. He was named the Defensive MVP of the 1971 Alabama High School All-Star Football Game. During his tenure at Jackson State, Brazile was a walking highlight reel, particularly during his senior season in 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 selected for the Sheridan Black College All-America Team. Over his four years at JSU, the Tigers achieved a record of 30-10-1 and clinched consecutive SWAC championships in 1972 and 1973.

Brazile concluded a remarkable collegiate career 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 in the first round by the Chicago Bears. They became the first teammates from a Mississippi college or HBCU team to be selected within the top 10 picks in NFL Draft history. Remember Brazile’s high school teammate, Rickey Young? He played fullback for JSU and was chosen in the seventh round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, completing nine seasons in the NFL.

Three players from the 1974 Jackson State roster, including Brazile, are now enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame. The other two are Payton and Jackie Slater. If one were to describe Brazile’s collegiate tenure as a human highlight reel, then the main attraction occurred during his NFL journey, entirely 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 accolades comprise being honored as the Defensive Rookie of the Year (1975), receiving first team All Pro status twice (1978, 1979), being named second team All Pro four times (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981), participating in the Pro Bowl seven times (1976-1982), being recognized on the NFL 1970s All Decade Team, and entering the Titans Oilers Ring of Honors.

During his inaugural year with the Oilers, Brazile earned the moniker “Dr. Doom” from one of his teammates. The media swiftly adopted the nickname, including renowned broadcaster Howard Cosell. The Association’s Legends Awards and Roast annually recognizes former student-athletes, as well as former or current coaches, athletics administrators, or staff members who have positively influenced the prestigious 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 in the conference whose eligibility has lapsed and are within 30 credit hours of graduation.