Bo Jackson Biography

Eventually known as one of the most electrifying athletes in professional sports, Bo Jackson was born in Alabama in 1962. Foreshadowing his unique ability to play different major sports at an elite level, Jackson starred on both his high school football and baseball teams through his senior year. Although offered several opportunities to enter the baseball minors following his graduation, Jackson instead elected to attend Auburn University as a two sport athlete.

A college legend, Jackson certainly lived up to his hype and billing. As a baseball star, Jackson batted .401 with 17 home runs and 45 RBIs in 1985 before being eligible for the 1986 due to recruiting violations. He was electrifying in football, however, becoming the most prolific running back in Auburn history. Between 1982 and 1985, Jackson ran for nearly 4,500 total yards, over 1,000 yards in each season, and also averaged an incredible 5.6 yards per carry. All of this culminated in a 1985 season that saw Jackson run for 1,800 yards on 6.4 yards per carry and win the Heisman trophy. Even without a 1986 season, Jackson had earned his place in the pantheon of SEC greats. In fact, there is a hot Herschel Walker vs Bo Jackson debate over which of the two was the greatest college football (certainly SEC) running back ever.

Though selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985, Jackson ultimately decided to play baseball for the Kansas City Royals because he felt the Buccaneers had knowingly contributed to his 1986 college ineligibility. Jackson starred for several years as a Royal and, beginning in 1987, doubled as a star running back for the Oakland Raiders. In 1989, Jackson became the only player to be both a baseball and football star and seemed headed for athletic immortality.

However, midway through the 1991 NFL season, Jackson suffered a devastating hip injury. The hit ended his promising NFL career on the spot and nearl ended his baseball career as well. Returning in 1993, he limped through two seasons as a designated hitter before retiring for good during the 1994 strike. Ultimately, despite his talent and incredible abilities, Jackson will always be remembered more for his potential than his actual achievements. Nonetheless, despite his devastating injury, these were actually considerable and he remains the only two sport all star in the history of American sports.

This Bo Jackson biography was written by SEC Sports Fan Senior Staff Writer, Paul Grossinger.

Bo Jackson has recently been named to SEC Sports Fan's "All Time SEC Football Team".

Check out our current page about University of Auburn Tigers Football and Auburn Tigers Football History.

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