Retired athlete Bo Jackson made his name in football and baseball. During his active years, he was able to play well in both sports. He was even the only person in history who became an All-Star in both team sports, which is why history hailed him as one of the greatest athletes of all-time. Because of his prominence as an athlete, he earned millions of dollars throughout his career. According to reports, Jackson currently has an estimated $25 million net worth. Here is a look back on his career and how he earned that much money.
Bo Jackson: Early Life
The former professional athlete was born and raised in Bessemer, Alabama, on November 30, 1962. He has nine siblings and is described as the “wild boar hog” of the family because of his penchant for getting into trouble.
Jackson already showed signs of athleticism as a child. He was part of the baseball team of his high school and showed talents in athletics. He even won the state championship in decathlon twice and set state records for the triple jump and indoor high jump.
Bo Jackson: College Career
The athlete could secure a football scholarship at the Auburn University, even after being picked by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 1982 draft of the Major League Baseball. He decided to prioritize his education because of the promise that he made his mother that he will be the first one in their family to graduate from a major university.
While in college, he realized that he has talents in both football and baseball. He tried to do both by being part of the university’s two teams, but his football career was more successful than baseball. However, he still claims that there was sabotage in his baseball career in the university.
Bo Jackson: Life In Pro Baseball
In 1986, Jackson started his professional career after Kansas City Royals picked him in the fourth round of the draft. They offered him a $1 million three-year deal. He played 53 games as part of the Memphis Chicks team at the Class AA minor league games, then went on to join the Royals’ roster in 1987. During his first year, he was able to hit a total of 22 home runs.
By 1989, Jackson started showing his true prowess when he got picked to be a starting player for that year’s American League All-Star team. He also earned recognition as the MVP of the game for his superb ability in defense and offense.
Bo Jackson: Life As A Pro Football Player
Jackson already decided to concentrate on baseball after a tumultuous incited with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Hugh Culverhouse. But he was surprised when the Los Angeles Raiders picked him in the seventh round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He initially stated that he would continue focusing on baseball and let go of the opportunity to sign with the team, but later changed his mind when the team’s owner Al Davis said that he was open to the idea that he can play baseball and football at the same time.
They managed to settle for a five-year contract worth $7.4 million and agreed that he would play in all his MLB games before going the Raiders in the NFL. He was able to have a successful 1989 season until he was forced to retire from the league after four seasons due to a hip injury.
Bo Jackson: Other Ventures
Aside from his lucrative sports career, Jackson was also able to earn money by endorsing Nike. The sports brand even released a pair of shoes in his honor.
Jackson also tried his hand in acting. He appeared in bit roles in several TV series, including “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
After his retirement in both sports, he became the head of the HealthSouth Sports Medicine Council.
