Vincent Edward "Bo" Jackson, born November 30, 1962, is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time, a reputation forged during his remarkable collegiate career at Auburn University. His prowess across multiple sports, particularly football and baseball, set the stage for an unprecedented professional journey. Jackson's time at Auburn was not only marked by athletic excellence but also by crucial decisions and controversies that
ultimately steered him toward a dual-sport professional career.
Collegiate Dominance and the Heisman Trophy
At Auburn, Jackson played four seasons as a running back for the Tigers. As a freshman, he scored nine touchdowns, showcasing his immediate impact. A memorable moment came against rival Alabama's Crimson Tide, where Jackson convinced his coach to let him run on fourth down for a touchdown, securing a 23-22 victory. In his sophomore season, Jackson amassed 1,213 total yards and was named the MVP of the January 1984 Sugar Bowl, which Auburn won against the Michigan Wolverines.
Despite missing most of his junior season due to injuries, Jackson still managed to shine, earning MVP honors in the December 1984 Liberty Bowl. His senior year was his most spectacular, as he gained 1,786 total yards and scored seventeen touchdowns. This exceptional performance culminated in him winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1985, an award recognizing the best collegiate football player of the season. Beyond football, Jackson also excelled in baseball and track and field at Auburn, further solidifying his reputation as a multi-talented athlete.
The NFL Draft Controversy and a Pivotal Choice
As his collegiate career neared its end, Jackson's focus began to shift more towards baseball, and he became increasingly vocal about his reluctance to play in the NFL. This stance was significantly influenced by an incident involving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A month before the 1986 NFL draft, Buccaneers owner Hugh Culverhouse arranged for Jackson to visit the team and undergo a physical. Jackson was assured that this trip had been approved by the NCAA and SEC. However, this was not true.
The SEC had a rule that barred athletes from being professional in one sport while maintaining amateur status in another. Consequently, Jackson was declared ineligible near the conclusion of his senior baseball season. Years later, Jackson revealed that he believed the Buccaneers had deliberately sabotaged his collegiate baseball career due to his outstanding performance. This perceived betrayal angered him deeply, leading him to vow never to play for the Buccaneers. He even told Culverhouse directly that drafting him would be a wasted pick.
Turning Down the Buccaneers and Embracing Baseball
Despite Jackson's clear intentions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him as the first overall pick in the 1986 NFL draft. However, Jackson remained steadfast in his decision. He famously turned down the Buccaneers' substantial $7.6 million, five-year contract offer. Instead, he chose to sign a $1.07 million, three-year contract with the Kansas City Royals to pursue his baseball career. The Buccaneers, realizing Jackson's resolve, forfeited his rights before the 1987 NFL draft.
This decision marked a significant turning point, as Jackson prioritized his desire to play baseball over the immediate financial incentives of the NFL. His commitment to baseball was initially absolute, though his interest in football would later be rekindled by the Los Angeles Raiders. This early professional choice underscored Jackson's independent spirit and his determination to control his own athletic destiny, setting the stage for his unique dual-sport career.
