Which Tigers player was your favorite as a kid?
As a child growing up, there were many athletes across various sports who captivated my attention, but one player who stood out to me as a fan of Auburn University was none other than Bo Jackson. He wasn’t just a “Tigers” legend — he was an icon in the world of sports. A rare combination of athleticism, charisma, and pure talent, Bo Jackson was a player who transcended the boundaries of college football, professional football, and Major League Baseball. As a kid, I found his story fascinating, and I couldn’t help but admire his abilities. His legacy is one of dominance in multiple sports, and his time at Auburn remains unforgettable.
For a child of the ’80s and ’90s, the idea of a player who could excel at the highest level in two major professional sports was unheard of. But Bo Jackson, a running back for the Auburn Tigers and an outfielder for both the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox, made this fantasy a reality. His impact on the sports world, especially his time as a Tiger, left an indelible mark not just on Auburn fans but also on everyone who followed sports during that era.
The Dual-Sport Legend
Bo Jackson’s incredible journey began at Auburn University, where his natural athletic talent quickly set him apart from his peers. Born in 1962 in Bessemer, Alabama, Bo Jackson was a natural athlete from a young age, excelling in a variety of sports. But it wasn’t until he arrived at Auburn in 1982 that his name began to truly echo through the annals of college sports history. He joined the Auburn Tigers as a football player, but his talents were far from limited to just one sport.
Jackson’s greatness on the football field was undeniable. Standing 6’1” and weighing around 230 pounds, he had the size, speed, and power to dominate opposing defenses. His playing style was ahead of its time, featuring a combination of blazing speed (he was once clocked running the 40-yard dash in under 4.3 seconds) and rare strength. It seemed that there was no defender who could stop him — whether it was breaking tackles, outrunning defenders, or displaying an uncanny ability to change direction while running at full speed, Bo Jackson was a force to be reckoned with.
In 1983, Jackson helped Auburn achieve national attention when he broke onto the scene with impressive performances, especially his 256-yard, 3-touchdown game against Alabama. His breakout season in 1985 included leading the nation in rushing with over 1,700 yards, making him a consensus All-American. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1985, solidifying his place as one of the best running backs in the history of college football. It wasn’t just his athleticism that made him a fan favorite, but his electrifying playmaking ability that drew fans in from across the country.
But Jackson’s story was even more remarkable because of his commitment to not just one sport, but two. While excelling in football, Bo Jackson also played baseball for Auburn, earning All-SEC honors as a talented outfielder. The prospect of someone playing both football and baseball at such a high level was unheard of at the time. His ability to focus on both sports and succeed at the highest levels was something of a myth, but Jackson made it a reality.
Bo Jackson’s Football Legacy at Auburn
When it came to his time playing for the Auburn Tigers in football, Bo Jackson’s legacy was nothing short of legendary. He was a natural leader on the field, one who dominated games from the running back position. Some of his most iconic moments came during his junior year in 1985, where he led the Tigers to an 11-1 season, defeating notable teams like the University of Alabama and taking Auburn to a significant bowl game. His explosive running style led Auburn to victories over some of their fiercest rivals, solidifying his status as a college football icon.
Jackson’s abilities as a running back were enhanced by his rare combination of size and speed. He ran with the power and toughness of a traditional power back but could also evade tacklers and burst through holes with the speed of a much smaller back. His vision on the field allowed him to find gaps in the defense where others would have been stopped. These traits made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The most famous moment from Jackson’s football career at Auburn is arguably his run against Alabama in the 1982 Iron Bowl, a game that remains etched in the minds of Auburn fans. In this game, Jackson had a 43-yard run that showcased his unparalleled combination of strength and speed. It was a play that encapsulated everything fans loved about Bo Jackson — his ability to break free from tackles and outrun defenders. The roar of the Auburn crowd following that run is a sound that remains forever associated with Jackson’s time at Auburn.
Beyond his numbers and plays, what truly stood out about Bo Jackson’s time at Auburn was his leadership. As a team captain, Jackson led by example. He pushed his teammates to work harder, to play smarter, and to always fight through adversity. His work ethic was unparalleled, and it rubbed off on the entire Auburn football program. Under his leadership, Auburn became a powerhouse in college football, with Jackson laying the foundation for the success that would follow in the coming years.
Bo Jackson in Professional Sports
As a child growing up watching Bo Jackson, it was hard to imagine anyone more impressive. Jackson’s professional career was just as incredible as his time at Auburn, but what set him apart was his ability to excel in not one but two professional sports.
Jackson’s career in Major League Baseball started with the Kansas City Royals in 1986 after being drafted as the first overall pick in the MLB draft. He played for several other teams, including the Chicago White Sox and the California Angels, but his time with the Royals is where he truly made a name for himself in baseball. Jackson’s powerful swing and ability to hit towering home runs made him a standout player in baseball. He was a two-time MLB All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1989 for his offensive prowess.
But what made Bo Jackson’s career even more remarkable was his simultaneous success in the National Football League (NFL). After being selected in the 1986 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson chose to sign with the Los Angeles Raiders instead, marking the start of his illustrious NFL career. Playing as a running back for the Raiders, Jackson’s combination of speed and power allowed him to become one of the most feared players in the league. Despite only playing a few seasons in the NFL, Jackson made an indelible mark on the sport, including memorable moments like his iconic Monday Night Football game where he ran for over 200 yards and scored multiple touchdowns.
Jackson’s ability to juggle both professional baseball and football careers was groundbreaking, and his success in both sports earned him a special place in the hearts of fans. He became the embodiment of what it meant to be a dual-sport athlete, and he proved that the limits of human performance could be pushed in new and exciting ways.
The Bo Jackson Mythos
For a kid like me, Bo Jackson was more than just an athlete; he was a larger-than-life figure who represented the idea that anything was possible. The notion of a single person excelling in two major professional sports was a concept I had never encountered before. Jackson’s success in both baseball and football was a myth made real, and his journey to Auburn and beyond became a point of inspiration for many young athletes.
Bo Jackson’s impact was not limited to his on-field accomplishments. He transcended sports, becoming a cultural icon. His television commercials for Nike, in which he showcased his ability to switch seamlessly between football and baseball, became part of the fabric of American pop culture. His fame reached far beyond the sports world, making him a household name. The “Bo Knows” campaign with Nike became legendary, and Bo Jackson’s brand was bigger than just the games he played.
Why Bo Jackson Was My Favorite
As a kid, there was something inherently exciting about Bo Jackson’s career that made him my favorite player. It wasn’t just the fact that he was incredibly skilled in both football and baseball, but it was also the mystique around him. He seemed almost invincible. He was a player who could break a 70-yard touchdown run in football one day and hit a 450-foot home run in baseball the next. He was a superhero on the field, someone who could do things that no one else could.
What made Bo Jackson particularly special was the aura of possibility he exuded. As a young fan, you could imagine yourself emulating his plays — running through defenders in football or hitting home runs like him in baseball. The idea that one person could dominate two major sports was both inspiring and exciting.
Moreover, his time at Auburn was critical in shaping my understanding of how sports could bring people together. Bo Jackson was Auburn’s pride and joy, and his legacy there resonated with everyone. He wasn’t just a star; he was a symbol of Auburn’s excellence, a reminder that hard work and determination could elevate you to the highest levels of your sport.
The Legacy
Even though Bo Jackson’s professional playing career was shortened by injuries, his legacy remains intact. He’s considered by many to be one of the most talented athletes to ever play professional sports. His time at Auburn continues to be remembered with reverence, and his achievements in both college football and professional sports will be remembered for generations. For me, Bo Jackson wasn’t just my favorite player as a kid — he remains an enduring symbol of greatness, and his time at Auburn, as well as his dual-sport career, will always stand as one of the greatest athletic feats in history.
As a child, watching Bo Jackson play, whether it was in college football or in Major League Baseball, inspired me and countless others to believe in the possibility of greatness. He wasn’t just an athlete; he was a hero. And for those who grew up watching him, his legacy will forever be synonymous with Auburn pride and sports excellence.