Vincent Edward “Bo” Jackson (born November 30, 1962) is a former professional baseball and football player, the only athlete named an All-Star in two major North American sports. A legendary multi-sport athlete, he played college baseball and football for the Auburn Tigers, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1985.
Jackson excelled in the NFL with the Los Angeles Raiders and in MLB with the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and California Angels. Known for the “Bo Knows” campaign, his career ended after a 1991 hip injury.
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Bo Jackson Net Worth
Bo Jackson has a net worth of $25 million. During his career, he earned $6.8 million in baseball and $6.1 million in football, equal to $20 million today with inflation. His endorsements, notably with Nike and Gatorade, brought in tens of millions.
In 1986, Nike offered him $100,000 for baseball or $1 million if he also played in the NFL. At his peak, Jackson earned $6 million annually, including deals with Pepsi, AT&T, and others, equivalent to $11 million today.
Early life
Bo Jackson, born November 30, 1962, in Bessemer, Alabama, was the eighth of ten children. Named after actor Vince Edwards, he was nicknamed “wild boar hog” for his mischievous nature. At McAdory High School in McCalla, Jackson rushed for 1,175 yards as a senior and hit 20 home runs in 25 baseball games.
A two-time state decathlon champion, he dominated events so completely he skipped the 1500 meters. In 1982, Jackson set state school records in the indoor high jump (6’9″) and triple jump (48’8″).
Career
Bo Jackson was the 1986 NFL Draft’s first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but refused to sign due to a dispute over a visit that cost him his college baseball eligibility. Instead, he joined the Kansas City Royals, signing a three-year, $1.07 million contract and debuting in 1986.
After injuries, he played with the White Sox and retired with the Angels in 1994. Drafted by the Raiders in 1987, Jackson balanced MLB and NFL, earning a $7.4 million contract before a 1991 hip injury ended his football career.
Personal Life
Bo Jackson married Linda Garrett, a rehabilitation counselor, in 1987. The couple, who met at Auburn, have three children: Garrett (born 1986), Nicholas (1988), and Morgan (1989), and live in Burr Ridge, Illinois. In a 2017 USA Today interview, Jackson said he wouldn’t have played football if he’d known the risks of CTE, stating, “The game has gotten so violent.”
Known for speaking in the third person due to childhood stuttering, Jackson’s great-nephew, Shedrick Jackson, plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.
What ended Bo Jackson’s career?
A 1991 hip injury ended Bo Jackson’s football career, and his baseball career concluded in 1994. He later pursued other interests, including earning a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development at Auburn University. Jackson still holds the NFL record for the most 90+ yard runs from scrimmage, with two.
Conclusion
Bo Jackson’s legacy transcends sports. His extraordinary athletic talents, combined with his business acumen, have cemented his status as both a sports legend and a financial success story.
FAQs about Bo Jackson Net Worth
- What is Bo Jackson’s net worth? – Approximately $25 million.
- How did Bo Jackson earn his wealth? – Through his professional sports career and major endorsement deals.
- What sports did Bo Jackson play? – Professional baseball and American football.
- What is Bo Jackson famous for in sports? – Being a star in both baseball and football.
- Does Bo Jackson still earn from endorsements? – Yes, notably from Nike.
