Many athletes are considered the best of all time because of their impressive stats in a specific sport. However, Bo Jackson is different; he is among the few people who excel in more than one sport, setting records in MLB and the NFL.
A Promising Start
Jackson, a multidisciplinary athlete, was born in Alabama on November 30, 1962, and grew up in a large family. From an early age, he displayed exceptional athleticism in multiple sports. His journey began in high school when he participated in football, baseball, and track, where he was the decathlon state champion twice.
College Career at Auburn
Jackson enrolled at Auburn University, where he made a significant impact in football and baseball. His football career flourished as he led the team to the Sugar Bowl victory in 1983. Two years later, he rushed for 1,786 yards and earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1985.
The NFL Draft Dilemma
In 1986, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Jackson as the first pick in the NFL Draft in a bid to get him to play football. However, he faced complications regarding his eligibility after a controversial workout situation with the team. As a result, Jackson chose to pursue baseball and signed with the Kansas City Royals instead.
Dominance in Baseball
Jackson made his MLB debut with the Royals in 1986 and quickly showcased his exceptional skills. By 1989, he was selected as an All-Star and named the game’s MVP after hitting a home run and stealing a base, which made him the second player in All-Star game history to steal a base and hit a home run in the same game.
Football Stardom with the Raiders
Simultaneously, Jackson joined the Los Angeles Raiders in 1987 under a unique agreement that allowed him to continue playing baseball. He made an immediate impact on the NFL scene, rushing for over 500 yards and scoring multiple touchdowns during his first season.
Hip Injury
Bo’s illustrious NFL career came to an unfortunate end in 1991 when he suffered a hip injury at a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury forced him to withdraw from football, and the Royals also released him.
Returning to Major League Baseball
Despite the hip injury, Jackson made an incredible comeback in baseball. After undergoing hip replacement surgery, he joined the Chicago White Sox in 1991 and later the California Angels. Though not as fast as before, Jackson continued hitting home runs and retired from the sport in 1995.
Iconic “Bo Knows” Campaign
In the late 1980s, Nike launched the famous “Bo Knows” campaign, further upscaling Jackson’s celebrity status. These commercials saw him attempt different sports, including ice hockey, tennis, and golf, while playing music with the legendary Bo Diddley. His charisma resonated with fans, bridging the gap between sports and pop culture.
Legacy in Sports
Without a doubt, Jackson’s legacy in both baseball and football is unmatched. To date, he is the only player to be named an All-Star in both MLB and NFL history. While injuries deterred his progress, and he didn’t win a World Series, the star nonetheless was a force on the field.
Milestone Achievements
Apart from his All-Star accolades, Jackson has been honored for his athletic achievements in multiple ways. He was initiated into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and is among the only three athletes to have their jerseys retired at Auburn.
Life After Sports
After retiring from professional sports, Jackson remained active in various ventures. He became a successful entrepreneur, started his own business, and engaged in philanthropic work. The star also featured in numerous productions, including “The Chamber” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
The Dual-Sport Legend Who Became a Global Icon