Bo Jackson, a retired American athlete and actor, made his mark in both baseball and football professionally, a unique achievement in history. His fame extended beyond the field, thanks to lucrative endorsement deals, notably with Nike. As of 2024, Bo Jackson has an estimated net worth of around $25 million (according to Celebrity Net Worth).
Bo Jackson’s financial success primarily stemmed from his sports career, which spanned from 1982 to 1994. He played baseball for the Kansas City Royals, the Chicago White Sox, and the California Angels. Jackson signed a three-year contract with the Royals valued at $850,000, which included a $100,000 signing bonus. In addition to his baseball career, he also had a prominent football career with the Los Angeles Raiders, reportedly earning $7.4 million annually as a footballer.
Furthermore, Bo Jackson reaped substantial earnings through endorsement deals, with Nike being a standout contributor. He became the focal point of the “Bo Knows” campaign, showcasing his multi-sport talent. This campaign not only significantly bolstered his popularity but also substantially increased his income. However, the precise amount he earned from Nike remains undisclosed.
Beyond his earnings from salary and endorsements, Bo Jackson diversified his income streams. He ventured into public speaking, authored several books, including his autobiography “Bo Knows Bo,” and initiated multiple business endeavors, such as a sporting goods company and a restaurant chain.
More About Bo Jackson
Early Life and Education:
Vincent Edward “Bo” Jackson was born on November 30, 1962, in Bessemer, Alabama. He was the eighth of ten children in his family. Due to his penchant for getting into trouble, he was nicknamed “Bo” after a wild boar hog. He attended McAdory High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and track.
College Career:
Bo Jackson played college football and baseball for the Auburn Tigers at Auburn University. He was a star running back and a powerful hitter. In 1985, he received the prestigious Heisman Trophy, which recognized him as the best player in college football. He was also drafted by the New York Yankees in 1982 but declined to sign with them.
Professional Football Career:
Bo Jackson was chosen as the first overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he refused to sign with them because they had jeopardized his eligibility to play college baseball in his senior year by sending a private jet for a physical examination. He felt that they had deceived and manipulated him. Instead, he signed with the Kansas City Royals and pursued a professional baseball career.
Professional Baseball Career:
Bo Jackson enjoyed a successful baseball career as an outfielder and designated hitter. He played for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and California Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his speed, power, and arm strength, he achieved a remarkable feat by hitting a 475-foot (145 m) home run in his first at-bat after hip surgery in 1993, a moment considered one of the most memorable in baseball history. In 1989, he was named the MLB All-Star Game MVP.
Bo Knows Campaign:
Bo Jackson’s fame transcended sports due to Nike’s iconic “Bo Knows” marketing campaign. The campaign showcased his versatility and athleticism in various sports and activities, inspired by a comment from Jackson’s Raiders teammate, Howie Long, who exclaimed, “Bo knows football, Bo knows baseball, Bo knows everything.”
Injury and Retirement:
Bo Jackson’s career came to an abrupt end in 1991 when he suffered a career-ending hip injury while playing for the Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL. A tackle from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Kevin Walker led to a diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the hip joint, requiring hip replacement surgery. This injury forced his retirement from both professional baseball and football.
Legacy:
Bo Jackson is often celebrated as one of the most extraordinary athletes of his era. His dual-sport career and unique abilities left an indelible mark on the world of sports. He is considered one of the greatest athletes in the history of American sports. In 1996, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and in 2010, his Auburn Tigers jersey number 34 was retired.
Post-Retirement Activities:
Following his retirement, Bo Jackson remained active in various charitable endeavors and business ventures. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Child Development at Auburn in 1995. He has been involved in various business ventures, such as Bo Jackson Elite Sports Complexes, VEJ Holdings LLC, and N’Genuity Enterprises. He also worked as a television host and actor, making appearances in movies and TV shows.
Personal Life:
Bo Jackson is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. In 1987, he married Linda Garrett, and they have three children: Garrett, Nicholas, and Morgan. He maintains his family life out of the public eye.
Accolades and Honors:
Bo Jackson’s remarkable athletic achievements have earned him numerous accolades and honors, both during and after his career. Some of them include:
- Heisman Trophy (1985)
- Walter Camp Award (1985)
- SEC Player of the Year (1985)
- SN Player of the Year (1985)
- UPI Player of the Year (1985)
- Unanimous All-American (1985)
- Consensus All-American (1983)
- 3× First-team All-SEC (1982, 1983, 1985)
- MLB All-Star Game MVP (1989)
- Pro Bowl (1990)
- ESPN’s Greatest Athlete of All Time (2013)
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