Bo Jackson
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Early Life and Education
Bo Jackson, whose full name is Vincent Edward Jackson, was born in 1962 in Bessemer, Alabama. He is the eighth of ten children. Named after his mother’s favorite actor, Vince Edwards, Jackson earned a reputation in his youth for being energetic and sometimes uncontrollable—his family affectionately referred to him as being like a "wild boar hog." He attended McAdory High School in McCalla, Alabama, where he excelled in multiple sports.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 30 Nov, 1962
- Age
- 57 yrs
- Citizenship
- United States of America
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- Birth Place
- Bessemer
- Education
- Auburn University
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- American football and baseball player
- Net Worth 2021
- 25 million
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As a senior, Jackson rushed for 1,175 yards as a running back and hit 20 home runs in 25 games for McAdory’s baseball team. He was also a two-time state champion in the decathlon, often building such a commanding points lead that he would skip running the 1500-meter event. In 1982, Jackson set school records in both the indoor high jump (6'9") and the triple jump (48'8").
College Career at Auburn University
Although selected by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft, Jackson chose to attend Auburn University on a football scholarship, honoring a promise he made to his mother to pursue a college education. He played under head coach Pat Dye and assistant coach Bobby Wallace.
At Auburn, Jackson's athleticism stood out. He won the 1985 Heisman Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding collegiate football player in the United States. His tenure at Auburn also included success in baseball and track, solidifying his reputation as a multi-sport athlete.
Professional Sports Career
Bo Jackson is one of the few athletes in history to be named an All-Star in both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Kansas City Royals in baseball and the Los Angeles Raiders in football, achieving notable success in both sports.
His football career was cut short in 1991 due to a serious hip injury suffered during a playoff game. Undeterred, Jackson focused on baseball and continued to play professionally until 1994. During this time, he also returned to Auburn University to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Child Development.
