Bo Jackson ON THE AIR!

I heard Bo Jackson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour Tuesday. (Listen Here) Impressive. He’s a Director at a local bank and still lives in the Chicagoland area.

I’ve always found Jackson and his multi-sport achievements fascinating. He’s in the College Football Hall of Fame, and remains the only man to make All Star teams in two major sports (MLB, NFL). If it wasn’t for a degenerative hip condition (avascular necrosis) causing major injury and early retirement Bo may be in the debate for best athlete ever. His semi-pro basketball career didn’t last long though. But Bo’s a legend the likes of Gayle Sayers and others- a one-of-a-kind performer forced out of sports in his prime.
A quote from Jackson’s book describes one of the predicaments of growing up poor, the 8th of 10 children to a single mother in rural Alabama.
“We never had enough food. But at least I could beat on other kids and steal their lunch money and buy myself something to eat. But I couldn’t steal a father. I couldn’t steal a father’s hug when I needed one. I couldn’t steal a father’s whipping when I needed one.”

Stuttering is another obstacle Jackson’s learned to manage.

He’s also worked with various bussinesses, non-for-profit groups and charities. The latest is his Give Me A Chance Foundation, which is hosting a golf outing this Saturday in Homer Glen.

We once golfed with …actually in the group behind… Bo, at the old Timber Trails. Me, morning editor Jim Benes and Pat Cassidy. He rode, of course.

I’m also convinced Bo is the best video game athlete of all-time. Maybe you’ve got another nominee, but Bo’s talent level in Super Tecmo Bowl for the original Nintendo (NES) was programmed off the charts. Agreeable parties continue to post Bo’s “Tecmo” highlights online.