Celebrating Greatness: SWAC Alumni Pay Tribute to Jackson State’s Pro Football Hall of Famer

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

Born in Mobile, Ala., Brazile joined Jackson State University’s football squad in 1971 and ultimately departed the field as a figure of renown in the sport. Not significantly pursued after graduating from Vigor High School in Pritchard, Ala., he, along with his high school companion, Rickey Young, toured Jackson State. Head coach Robert “Bob” Hill recruited both players.

Initially recruited as a tight end, Brazile was transitioned to linebacker during his freshman year, where he thrived for the remainder of his football journey, both in college and professional leagues. He was the epitome of a linebacker. Standing tall (6-4, 241), robust, quick (4.6 in the 40), and a formidable tackler, he was named the Defensive MVP of 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 in 1974.

He was honored as All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), led the league in overall 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 achieved a record of 30-10-1 and claimed consecutive SWAC championships in 1972 and 1973.

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

Three athletes from the 1974 Jackson State squad, including Brazile, are currently enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame. The other two are Payton and Jackie Slater. If Brazile’s college tenure could be labeled a human highlight film, the main presentation occurred during his NFL career, all with the Houston Oilers (1975 to 1984). Brazile never missed a match and started 147 consecutive games with the Oilers during his decade-long career.

His NFL accolades feature being recognized as Defensive Rookie of the Year (1975), a two-time first team All Pro (1978, 1979), a four-time second team All Pro (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981), a seven-time Pro Bowl selectee (1976-1982), part of the NFL 1970s All Decade Team, and recipient of the Titans Oilers Ring of Honors.

During his rookie season with the Oilers, Brazile earned the moniker “Dr. Doom” from one of his Oilers teammates. The media swiftly adopted the nickname, with Howard Cosell among those who publicized it. The Association’s Legends Awards and Roast annually recognizes former student-athletes as well as previous or current coaches, athletic administrators, or staff members who have positively influenced the historic conference.

Proceeds from the Legends Awards and Roast contribute to the SWAC Alumni Association’s Degree Completion Scholarship Fund, which offers financial aid to student-athletes in the conference whose eligibility has lapsed and are within 30 hours of earning their degree.