By Darin 
Bo Jackson wasn’t just a sensational halfback for the Auburn Tigers—he was a once-in-a-generation athletic marvel. The only player to be named an MLB All-Star and an NFL Pro Bowler, Jackson redefined what a two-sport athlete could achieve. Discover how the Heisman Trophy winner led the nation in rushing, earned four years as a starter at Auburn, and cemented his place in sports lore as a Hall of Fame inductee and cultural icon whose 6.6 yards per carry average still captivates fans today.
Career
November 30, 1962 – Bessemer, Alabama – Bo Jackson, the sensational halfback from Auburn University, was born. Bo was on the starting offense all four seasons that he attended Auburn, which is quite a feat in and of itself.
The footballfoundation.org bio for Bo states that he was a consensus All-America as a sophomore in 1983. In 1984, he had a shoulder injury and missed 6 games. He returned in 1985 and was an unanimous All-America. He averaged 6.6 yards every time he ran the ball from scrimmage. After the 1985 season, Jackson earned enough votes to win the Heisman Trophy for his efforts.
The National Football Foundation voted Bo Jackson into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. After his graduation, Jackson played pro football with the Los Angeles Raiders from 1986 to 90 and major league baseball with the Kansas City Royals from 1986 to 90, the Chicago White Sox from 1991 to 93, and the California Angels from 1994.
Conclusion
Bo Jackson’s career, though sometimes interrupted, remains one of the most compelling narratives in modern sports. From winning the Heisman Trophy in 1985 to seamlessly transitioning between professional football with the Los Angeles Raiders and Major League Baseball, Jackson’s power, speed, and sheer talent left an undeniable legacy. His 1998 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame affirms that his impact extended far beyond the gridiron, making him an enduring legend of American athletics.
Football Accolades and Accomplishments
- College Career: Auburn University Halfback (started all four seasons).
- All-America Honors: Consensus All-America (1983), Unanimous All-America (1985).
- Rushing Efficiency: Averaged 6.6 yards per carry from scrimmage.
- Major Award: Heisman Trophy Winner (1985).
- Post-College Honors: National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1998).
- Professional Football: Played for the Los Angeles Raiders (1986–1990).
- Professional Baseball: Played MLB for the Kansas City Royals (1986–1990), Chicago White Sox (1991–1993), and California Angels (1994).