Bo knows ... that he's getting old
Two-way sports icon Bo Jackson turns 45 years old today. The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner from Auburn University made a name in both baseball and football in the 80s. He was the first athlete to play in all-star games for two sports.
But it might be his commercials for which he's best remembered by casual 80s fans. His "Bo Knows" campaign for Nike in 1989 featured Jackson prevailing in golf, tennis, car racing, even luge with each sports star saying "Bo knows ...."
All except two notable names. Wayne Gretzky simply shakes his head and says "no" after Bo is featured on ice skates. (Actually, the commercial was filmed on a wooden floor, with Bo wearing socks. And Gretzky's simplified answer came after the commercial's director rejected The Great One's take on "Bo knows hockey.")
And blues master Bo Diddley gets the other laugh with "Bo don't know Diddley" after Jackson failed to master the guitar.
A hip replacement ended Jackson's sports career in the mid '90s, but he took the early retirement as a chance to return to Auburn and finish his college degree.
"God has his way of opening up our eyes to see reality," Jackson told ESPN during a SportsCentury profile. "The way He opened my eyes is to allow me to have this hip injury. That is a rough way to go, but I had to accept the fact."
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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THIS WEEK'S SHOW: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rock Tampa Bay. To hear the latest "Stuck in the 80s" episode now, 
You have to wonder what would have happened if he'd never gotten injured. Could he have been a hall of famer in both sports?
Posted by: Clark | November 30, 2007 at 01:33 PM
That's a good question, Clark. I'd have to say no. One or the other though for sure. But if there was ever a person who could do it, it'd be Bo.
Posted by: Spears | November 30, 2007 at 01:39 PM
Bo was always such an amazing physical speciman. Imagine if he had passed on the high-impact world of football and concentrated on baseball and then followed the lead of fellow 40-something Barry Bonds to the BALCO section of his local pharmacy.
Today he'd probably have 800 homers, 1,200 stolen bases and a head like a Macy's balloon.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | November 30, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Yes Jeff...Bo was amazing. But not nearly as amazing as virtual Bo in Tecmo Bowl. With only two running routes in the playbook, he still racked up about 250 yards per game. Unstoppable in 16-bit.
Posted by: Clyde | November 30, 2007 at 04:47 PM
I used to LOVE those commercials! The auto racing scene cracked me up at the time.
Posted by: Spiky Sandy | November 30, 2007 at 05:22 PM
The mightiest team in Tecmo Bowl was the Houston Oilers. I once went an entire season with them and never allowed a point scored against me. (I think half the games, I held the opposition to zero offensive yards.) Meanwhile Warren Moon threw for about 6 TDs per game.
Posted by: Spears | November 30, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Ah Warren Moon.
How many times did he blow out my B.C. Lions when he played for Edmonton (in the CFL) ! Still a great player though, and a humble man. I have great respect for the man.
Posted by: Al | November 30, 2007 at 07:04 PM