Jackson, Bo (1962–…), was one of the greatest and most versatile athletes in American sports history. Jackson was a star player in college and professional football and in college and major league baseball. He played both major league baseball and professional football together for four seasons, a rare accomplishment for an American athlete. He was also a highly ranked sprinter in college track.
Vincent Edward Jackson was born on Nov. 30, 1962, in Bessemer, Alabama. He was named after Vincent Edwards, a popular television actor at the time. His family called him a “boar hog” because he was tough and wild, frequently getting into trouble. That nickname was eventually reduced to “Bo.” Jackson attended high school in McCalla, Alabama, where he starred in baseball, football, and track and field. He won the state decathlon title twice and set state records in several events.
The New York Yankees selected Jackson in the second round of the major league draft in 1982. However, Jackson accepted a football scholarship as a running back at Auburn University. He was an All-American in 1983 and 1985 and won the 1985 Heisman Trophy awarded to the country’s outstanding college football player. Jackson also played baseball in college, batting .401 his junior year. He competed on the Auburn track team in his freshman and sophomore years, qualifying both seasons for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) indoor championships in the 60-yard dash. (One yard equals 0.9 meter.)
Jackson left Auburn when he was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the first selection in the 1986 National Football League (NFL) draft. He decided to play major league baseball with the Kansas City Royals instead. In 1989, he was voted onto the starting American League team in the All-Star Game and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Jackson reentered the NFL draft in 1987 and was chosen by the Los Angeles (now Las Vegas) Raiders. He played both professional football and major league baseball from 1987 to 1991. A hip injury suffered early in January 1991 ended his football career.
The Kansas City Royals released Jackson in 1991. He played with the Chicago White Sox in 1991 and 1993 and with the California Angels (now the Los Angeles Angels) in 1994. He then retired because his hip injury had reduced his effectiveness.
Jackson made several popular television commercials during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. After his retirement, he made several TV appearances as an actor and in additional commercials. He also completed a bachelor’s degree in family and child development at Auburn University and became a successful business executive.
