Summary of Bo Jackson’s Career and How it Ended
Bo Jackson is one of the best known athletes of all time, having excelled in both football and baseball. He was a two-sport star playing for the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Royals respectively and is the only athlete in history to firmly establish himself in both sports. Bo Jackson had an impressive career that came to an abrupt end in 1991 due to a hip injury.
His Early Career
Bo Jackson grew up in Alabama and starred at the diverse sports that he had interest in. He attained the Heisman Trophy at Auburn University in 1985 and was picked in the 1986 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After declining the offer, he was then picked by the Oakland Raiders in the same year, and became one of the most accomplished running backs in the NFL.
His Baseball Career
Bo Jackson was also a very talented baseball player, having been spotted by the Kansas City Royals. He was then selected by them in the 1986 MLB Draft after which he joined their team the same year. He quickly established himself as a powerful hitter and center fielder, eventually going on to become an All-Star in 1989.
His Decline and Retirement
Bo Jackson’s career went downhill in January 1991 when he suffered a severe hip injury while playing for the Los Angeles Raiders. The injury ended his NFL career as it required surgery which eventually left him unable to play football again. He was released by the Kansas City Royals the same year and he retired shortly afterwards.
Post Retirement
Bo Jackson’s post-retirement career varied, he appeared in a few advertisings such as Nike and endorsed a few products. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and also briefly signed a contract in 1994 with the Chicago White Sox for a one day game, as a publicity stunt. In 1994 Bo Jackson was officially inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements in the history of baseball.
Conclusion
Bo Jackson had an impressive and successful career in both sports until the year 1991. Unfortunately he was forced to retire due to a hip injury that he sustained. Since then, he has been able to make a name for himself through endorsements, publicity stunts and being part of the Hall of Fame. Overall, Bo Jackson’s career ended with a few accolades and a well-deserved retirement.
