Bo Jackson

Bio

Bo Jackson was a four-year starter at running back for Pat Dye at Auburn. He was a consensus All-America as a sophomore in 1983. In 1984, he had a shoulder injury and missed six games. He came back in 1985 and was unanimous All-America. He averaged 6.6 yards every time he ran the ball from scrimmage. His top games in yardage were 290, 256, 242, and 205. His longest runs were 82, 80, 76 (twice), 71, 67, 53 (4 times), and 51 yards. He was Most Valuable Player in the Sugar and Liberty Bowls following the 1983 and 1984 seasons and Outstanding Offensive Player in the Cotton Bowl after the 1985 season. In 1985, he won the Heisman Trophy and was named Player of the Year by the Walter Camp Foundation, the Sporting News, and United Press International. He played centerfield for Auburn's baseball team, batting .401 one season. he was on the track team, running 100 meters in 10.4 seconds. He attended high school in McCalla, Alabama, starred in football and baseball and was state track champion in dashes, hurdles, long jump, and high jump. After Auburn, Jackson played pro football with the Los Angeles Raiders 1986-90 and major league baseball with the Kansas City Royals 1986-90, Chicago White Sox 1991-93, and California Angels 1994. David Housel, Auburn director of athletics, said, "His greatest trait was the ability to inspire people. His accomplishments came in the arena of everyday life. He became a living example of what a person can do if he sets his mind to do it. He came back to Auburn and finished work on his degree, a promise he had made to his mother. Money, fame, and acclaim do not motivate Bo Jackson. Values motivate Bo Jackson."

Career Highlights

• 1985 All-Conference
• 1985 Conference MVP
• 1985 Heisman Trophy Winner
• 1985 Unanimous All-America
• 1983 All-Conference
• 1983 Consensus All-America
• 1982 All-Conference