Why Bo Jackson is the Best Athlete Ever

When Vincent “Bo” Jackson was still in High school, in Bessemer Alabama, he was such a great track star that he learned to throw the discus and to pole vault in one day. He did this so he could compete in the Decathlon. He could already run the 100 meters in 10.39 seconds, which was unheard of for a High School player who already weighed over 200 pounds.

He won the Alabama state decathlon setting a record for the point’s total, and his point lead was so great, he didn’t have to do the one mile run, which he hated. He also set a record in the 100 meters run.

He was drafted by the New York Yankees in baseball but decided to attend Auburn University and play football and baseball on the advice of his mother. From 1982-85 He was a very good athlete at Auburn. In 1985 he batted .401 with 17 Home Runs and 43 RBIs. He won the Heisman Trophy in 85 and was the MVP of the Sugar Bowl and also the Liberty Bowl during his football playing time. He considered joining the USA Olympic team but opted for pro sports.

His college number (34) was retired from Auburn, one of only 3 ever done so. He set records for most rushing yards in a season with 1,786 in 1985 and in career with 4,303 yards

He was drafted by the Tampa Bay team of the NFL, but went to play pro baseball for the Kansas City Royals instead. In 1987 22 Home Runs 53 RBIs and 10 stole bases as an outfielder. In 1989 he was selected as a Major League All-Star. His Royals team mate George Brett named one of his children “Jackson” in honor of Bo.

Following the 1987 baseball season he took up playing in the NFL as a “Hobby” for the Los Angeles Raiders. Rushing for 554 yards on 81 carries in just 7 games. In the next 3 seasons he ran for 2,228 yards and 12 touchdowns. What is amazing is that at the time he was a backup to Marcus Allen.

In 1991 he became famous for running over Seattle Seahawks linebacker Brian Bosworth and for 221 yards in that game, including a 91 yard run.

He was the first person to ever hit the New Orleans Superdome’s scoreboard with a football he threw. He also ran a 4.12 40 yard dash at the NFL scouting combine which is one of the fastest times ever. He also became famous for a series of Nike Commercials that featured “Bo Knows” with him doing different sports.

In 1991 he suffered a hip injury in a Raiders Playoff game against the Bengals. He was unable to return to football from this injury, but did come back to baseball for a short time, retiring in 1994.

The way Bo Jackson dominated Track, Football and Baseball shows me and you that he is the Greatest Athlete of All Time.