Bo Jackson
Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 at Auburn, finishing as the school's all-time leading rusher. He became a cultural phenomenon in 1989-1990 through his exceptional two-sport career and the iconic 'Bo Knows' Nike campaign, becoming the only athlete ever named an All-Star in two major American sports. A 1991 hip injury tragically cut his prime short.
Alabama Phenom
Raised in Bessemer, Alabama, Jackson starred in football, baseball, and track at Auburn. His blend of size and breakaway speed earned him the 1985 Heisman Trophy.
Two Sports at Once
Defying convention, Jackson played MLB for the Royals and NFL for the Raiders simultaneously, calling football his 'hobby.' He became the only man named an All-Star in both leagues.
Bo Knows
The 'Bo Knows' Nike campaign turned him into a 1980s cultural icon. A 1991 hip injury ended his football career and curtailed his baseball days, but his myth endures.
Career Timeline
- 1962Born in Bessemer, Alabama
- 1985Wins Heisman Trophy at Auburn University
- 1986Debuts in MLB with the Kansas City Royals
- 1987Joins NFL's Los Angeles Raiders as two-sport star
- 1989Named MVP of the MLB All-Star Game
- 1989'Bo Knows' Nike campaign launches
- 1990Selected to the NFL Pro Bowl
- 1991Suffers career-altering hip injury in January
- 1993Wins AL Comeback Player of the Year
- 1994Retires after strike-shortened season
Biggest Hits
- Jackson once ran up the outfield wall after a catch and snapped a bat over his knee, feats that became legendary highlights.
- His baseball career resumed after hip replacement surgery, making him one of few pros to play with an artificial hip.
Portrait: Unknown · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons