Jackie Jensen An MLB Star Who Is Also...

Jackie Jensen, born March 9, 1927, in Oakland, California, left his mark on college and professional sports, though his most recognized legacy lies in baseball. His football career, while shorter, showcased his exceptional athleticism.  

The stud Cal fullback from 1946 to 1948 had many big plays on the gridiron for the Golden Bears.

-College Career

Jensen's collegiate athletic prowess shone brightly at the University of California, Berkeley. He was a two-sport star, excelling in both football and baseball. He played running back on the gridiron, demonstrating a blend of speed and power that made him a formidable offensive weapon. His performance helped propel the Golden Bears to prominence in the late 1940s.  

In 1946, against Wisconsin, when the speedster returned a punt 56 yards. He later sped for 56- a 56-yard run against Washington State and chucked a 47-yard touchdown pass against an Oregon defense. Equally impressive were his receptions of touchdown passes of 56 yards against Washington and a big 29-yard TD grab versus UCLA. The play in the Navy game in 1947, where he took off for a 64-yard run, was a highlight, as well as his pass against Stanford that turned into an 80-yard gain. Oh, his production was achieved on the ground, too, as displayed during the 1948 campaign with bursting runs of 62 and 61 yards against Santa Clara in one game while rampaging on a 67-yarder against Northwestern. He thrived in a return game, spinning off a 67-yard punt return against Stanford. The two-way player even produced on the defensive side as he intercepted seven passes in 1947.

-Road to the Pro Game

Jensen's path to professional sports was unique. While his baseball talent was undeniable, he also briefly entered the professional football arena. After his time at Cal, he was drafted by the NFL's San Francisco 49ers in 1949. However, his football career was truncated as he focused primarily on baseball.  

Unbelievably, football may not have been this athlete's best sport! In 1947, Cal won the first NCAA baseball tournament as Jensen out-pitched Bobby Layne of Texas in the regional final. Then, he and his Golden Bears teammates won the championship game over future President George Bush and Yale. Baseball got Jackie to sign a contract after his junior year at Cal Pro. Jensen played 11 years in the majors and was the Most Valuable Player in the American League with the Boston Red Sox in 1958.

-Football Legacy

Jensen's football legacy, though brief, highlights his exceptional athleticism. He demonstrated a high level of ability at the collegiate level, enough to be drafted into the NFL. His decision to pursue baseball primarily meant his football career was short lived. His legacy in football is more of a footnote in a more considerable athletic career, showcasing his broad range of talents.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

The National Football Foundation voters chose to place Jackie Jensen into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

Due to his brief professional football tenure, Jensen's formal awards and statistics are limited in that sport. His primary accolades came in baseball where he won the 1958 American League MVP award.

In football, his significant accomplishments were centered on his college career, where he was recognized as a standout player for the California Golden Bears. He was a key player for the 1948 team that went to the Rose Bowl. While detailed statistics for his college football career are not as readily available as his baseball stats, his impact was clear. He was known for his powerful running style, and a key contributor to the Golden Bears' success. His NFL career was very short with the San Francisco 49ers, and no significant statistics were recorded. His overall legacy is that of a multi-talented athlete who chose to excel at baseball.