Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bo Jackson

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bo Jackson made an impact.

Bo Jackson is a former professional baseball and football player, uniquely distinguished as the only athlete named an All-Star in both MLB and NFL. His success in multiple sports has cemented his reputation as one of the greatest all-around athletes of all time.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

June 1982: Drafted by the New York Yankees

In June 1982, Bo Jackson was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round of the MLB draft. He chose to attend Auburn University instead, honoring a promise to his mother.

November 27, 1982: Iron Bowl Victory

On November 27, 1982, Bo Jackson and Auburn defeated Alabama in the Iron Bowl with Jackson scoring a crucial touchdown by going over the top of the line, securing a 23-22 victory.

1982: Tangerine Bowl Performance

In 1982, during his freshman year, Bo Jackson played in the Tangerine Bowl for Auburn against Boston College, making a notable one-handed catch and rushing for two touchdowns in a 33-26 victory.

1983: Record-Breaking Sophomore Season

In 1983, Bo Jackson had a remarkable sophomore season, rushing for 1,213 yards and averaging 7.7 yards per carry. He also rushed for 256 yards in the Auburn-Alabama game and was named MVP of the Sugar Bowl.

1984: Most Valuable Player at the Liberty Bowl

In 1984, Bo Jackson earned Most Valuable Player honors at the Liberty Bowl after Auburn defeated Arkansas.

April 1985: MLB Scouting Report

In April 1985, an MLB scout's report highlighted Bo Jackson's potential, stating his only weakness was lack of baseball experience, while also considering him the best pure athlete in America at that time.

1985: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 1985, Bo Jackson won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the Auburn Tigers.

September 1986: Major League Debut

In September 1986, Bo Jackson made his major league debut with the Kansas City Royals against the Chicago White Sox, finishing 1-for-3. He was called up after playing 53 games with the Memphis Chicks.

1986: NFL Scouting Combine

In 1986, Bo Jackson addressed rumors about his 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine, clarifying that he didn't attend the combine and ran a 4.13 electronic-timed 40-yard dash at a pro day at Auburn University.

1986: Golden Plate Award

In 1986, Bo Jackson received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, presented by Herschel Walker.

1986: Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 1986, despite Bo Jackson's reservations, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him with the first overall pick in the NFL draft.

1986: Buccaneers draft controversy

In 1986, prior to the NFL draft, Bo Jackson was taken on a private jet by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which led to him being declared ineligible by the SEC. Despite being drafted first overall by the Buccaneers, Jackson refused to play for them due to this incident.

November 30, 1987: Set Monday Night Football record

On November 30, 1987, Bo Jackson rushed for 221 yards, setting a Monday Night Football record just 29 days after his first NFL carry.

1987: Royals Rookie Season

In 1987, Bo Jackson made the Royals' roster and hit .235 with 22 home runs, setting a Royals rookie record.

1987: Drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders

In 1987, Bo Jackson was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Los Angeles Raiders after he decided to focus on baseball initially. He ultimately signed with the Raiders, who allowed him to play both baseball and football.

July 29, 1988: One-Handed Home Run

On July 29, 1988, Bo Jackson hit a remarkable one-handed home run against the Baltimore Orioles, recovering after attempting to call time-out during the pitch.

1988: Received a signing bonus from the Raiders

In 1988, Bo Jackson was due to receive an additional $500,000 bonus if he returned to play football for the Los Angeles Raiders. He also received a $500,000 signing bonus in 1987.

1989: Best Season in the NFL

During the 1989 season, Bo Jackson had his best performance in the NFL, rushing for 950 yards with a 5.5 yards per carry average and four touchdowns in eleven games.

1989: 1989 MLB Season

In 1989, Bo Jackson batted .256 with 32 home runs and 105 RBI. He also tied for the 10th most strikeouts in a season for a right-handed batter since 1893.

1989: All-Star MVP

In 1989, Bo Jackson was named the MVP of the MLB All-Star Game. He started the game with a 448-foot home run and made a key defensive play, saving two runs.

July 11, 1990: "Wall Run" Catch

On July 11, 1990, Bo Jackson performed his famous "wall run" while catching a ball against the Orioles, avoiding injury by running along the wall.

1990: Home Runs in Consecutive At-Bats

During the 1990 season, Bo Jackson hit home runs in four consecutive at-bats, tying a Major League record.

1990: Guest appearance on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

In 1990, Bo Jackson made a television guest appearance on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

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1990: Selected to the Pro Bowl

In 1990, Bo Jackson rushed for 698 yards and was selected to his only Pro Bowl.

January 13, 1991: Career-ending hip injury

On January 13, 1991, Bo Jackson suffered a career-ending hip injury during a playoff game against the Bengals after a tackle.

January 1991: Suffered Hip Injury

In January 1991, Bo Jackson suffered a dislocated hip during a playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which led to cartilage loss and bone tissue death. He was then forced to retire from football.

March 18, 1991: Royals Release Jackson

On March 18, 1991, the Kansas City Royals released Bo Jackson, unwilling to pay his salary due to his football injury.

1991: Joins Chicago White Sox

In 1991, 16 days after being released by the Royals, Bo Jackson was offered a three-year deal by the Chicago White Sox, despite his hip issues.

1991: Hip Injury Ends Football Career

In 1991, a hip injury forced Bo Jackson to end his football career. The injury also impacted his baseball career.

October 31, 1992: Auburn Retires Jackson's Number

On October 31, 1992, Auburn University officially retired Bo Jackson's football number 34 during a halftime ceremony.

1992: Missed MLB Season Due to Injury

Due to the hip injury sustained in 1991, Bo Jackson missed the entire 1992 MLB season.

1992: Underwent hip replacement surgery

In 1992, Bo Jackson did not play baseball while undergoing hip replacement surgery.

1992: Appeared on White Sox' disabled roster

In 1992, Bo Jackson was on the White Sox' disabled roster after undergoing hip replacement surgery, becoming the first professional athlete to compete with an artificial hip.

1993: Plays for the White Sox

In 1993, Bo Jackson played 85 games for the Chicago White Sox.

1993: Comeback Player of the Year Award

In 1993, Bo Jackson returned to baseball and won The Sporting News AL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

1993: Hit a home run after surgery

In 1993, after hip replacement surgery and the passing of his mother, Bo Jackson hit a home run in his first at-bat. He traded an autographed bat for the ball, planning to bronze it for her dresser.

January 31, 1994: Signed a contract with California Angels

On January 31, 1994, Bo Jackson signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the California Angels. He played 75 games, batting .279 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI before the season ended due to a baseball strike, after which Jackson retired at age 32.

1994: Retirement After Strike-Shortened Season

In 1994, Bo Jackson retired from professional baseball after the strike-shortened season.

1996: College Football Hall of Fame Induction

In 1996, Bo Jackson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements in college football.

2007: Part-owner and CEO of Elite Sports Complex

In 2007, Bo Jackson became part-owner and CEO of the Bo Jackson Elite Sports Complex, a multi-sport facility in Lockport, Illinois.

2007: Ranked on ESPN's Top 25 Players List

In 2007, Bo Jackson was ranked #8 on ESPN's Top 25 Players In College Football History list.

2009: Joined board of Burr Ridge Bank and Trust

In 2009, Bo Jackson joined the board of Burr Ridge Bank and Trust.

April 27, 2011: Alabama tornadoes devastate state

On April 27, 2011, a series of tornadoes devastated Alabama, leading to the creation of Bo Jackson's "Bo Bikes Bama" fundraiser.

2013: Remained on board after acquisition

In 2013, after the Burr Ridge Bank and Trust was acquired by First Community Financial Bank, Bo Jackson was retained as a board member.

January 22, 2014: Rejoined the Chicago White Sox

On January 22, 2014, Bo Jackson rejoined the Chicago White Sox as an ambassador for the team.

2017: Left board after acquisition by Busey Bank

In 2017, after First Community Financial Bank was acquired by Busey Bank, Bo Jackson left the board.

November 2021: Announced Hero Brand CBD Products

In November 2021, Bo Jackson, working with Promise Nutraceuticals, announced a line of CBD products called Hero Brand CBD.

2022: Donated to Uvalde funeral expenses

In 2022, Bo Jackson donated $170,000 to cover the funeral expenses for the families of the victims of the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting.

March 13, 2024: Election to Royals Hall of Fame

On March 13, 2024, it was announced that Bo Jackson had been elected to the Royals Hall of Fame and would be inducted before the team's June 29 game against Cleveland.