The Last Folk Hero Summary

How do you go from a troubled childhood with nothing to your name to becoming one of the most legendary athletes in history? Bo Jackson’s story is an awe-inspiring answer.

1. A Tough Childhood Builds a Tougher Man

Bo Jackson’s early years in Bessemer, Alabama, were far from idyllic. Raised in poverty in a crowded home with no bathrooms and nine siblings, he experienced a life of hardship. His father was absent, and his mother worked tirelessly to support the family. These circumstances shaped Bo into a survivor.

The harsh realities of his upbringing extended to every corner of his life. Bo scavenged for food to avoid going hungry and often wore secondhand clothes. Despite these struggles, he channeled his frustrations through misbehavior, which at times turned into outright delinquency, like stealing bikes and throwing rocks at others.

It was in the summer of 1973 that Bo channeled his energy into something positive: sports. At the tender age of ten, he joined the local Little League team and discovered his unmatched natural talent. This early exposure to organized sports became his escape route from difficult circumstances and set the foundation for his future greatness.

Examples

• Bo’s home in Bessemer didn’t even have bathrooms, highlighting the extent of his hardships.
• He and his siblings scavenged for wild animals to ensure there was food on the table.
• At age ten, Bo joined the local Little League and began to display extraordinary athletic ability.

2. Natural Talent Blossoms in High School

Bo Jackson’s high school years revolved around not one, but three sports: baseball, football, and track. His incredible physical gifts began to shine as he split his time between these activities, surpassing peers and catching the attention of scouts across the nation.

In ninth grade, Bo made the junior varsity football team, but it wasn’t until his junior year that he truly made an impression by scoring 17 touchdowns and gaining over 1,000 yards. In track and field, he shattered state records in events like the long jump and decathlon, even though he trained only briefly. His achievements in baseball were just as remarkable, as he exhibited powerful hitting and stole 90 out of 91 bases.

By senior year, Bo had colleges and MLB scouts knocking on his door. Despite being drafted by the Yankees, he turned them down to achieve a dream: being the first in his family to go to college. This decision marked the start of his journey toward athletic immortality.

Examples

• Bo scored 17 touchdowns in his junior football season.
• He set state records in the long jump and decathlon with minimal training.
• The New York Yankees drafted him in high school, but he chose college instead.

3. Multi-Sport Dominance in College

At Auburn University, Bo Jackson took his talents to breathtaking new heights. Balancing football, baseball, and track, he excelled in all three and showcased a work ethic that stunned his coaches and teammates.

In football, his impact was immediate. During his debut, he scored two touchdowns, and later in his senior year, he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy with 1,786 yards in a single season. With his electrifying speed, he also broke records in track, like a blazing 6.18-second 60-yard dash, and his return to baseball brought Auburn significant wins, including a successful 30-22 season.

However, his collegiate story wasn’t without obstacles. A visit to an NFL team during his senior baseball season rendered him ineligible to play amateur sports ever again. Yet, even with this setback, Bo’s college years solidified his reputation as one of the greatest all-around athletes.

Examples

• Set the fifth-fastest 60-yard dash in Auburn history at 6.18 seconds.
• Won the Heisman Trophy for football in his senior year.
• Led Auburn’s baseball team to a 30-22 record despite challenges.

4. Choosing the MLB Over the NFL Showed Character

Bo’s professional career began with a choice between baseball and football. Though his natural football prowess made the NFL a likely choice, Bo’s loyalty to his values ruled out joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after they caused him to lose his college eligibility.

Instead, Bo signed with the Kansas City Royals. He started in the minor leagues with the Memphis Chicks before making a spectacular MLB debut, hitting monster home runs and displaying jaw-dropping speed on the bases. This bold decision proved Bo didn’t just chase money or fame; he followed his heart and forged his own unique path.

Examples

• Signed with the Kansas City Royals instead of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Hit a legendary first MLB home run against the Seattle Mariners, sending the ball 475 feet.
• Made the leap to the Major Leagues after only two months in the minors.

5. Conquering Two Sports Simultaneously

Bo’s prowess was unparalleled partly because he was the rare athlete who successfully played two professional sports. After starting with the Kansas City Royals, he made history by joining the Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL as a “part-time” football player.

In one iconic game, he famously bulldozed over Seattle Seahawks' Brian Bosworth for a touchdown and also clocked a stunning 91-yard run in the same match. Despite criticism for potential burnout, Bo’s achievements in both baseball and football in 1989 silenced doubters, as he was named an All-Star in the MLB and smashed records in the NFL.

Examples

• Overpowered Brian Bosworth during a stunning touchdown in an NFL game.
• Hit with his left hand for the first time during an MLB game and conquered it with a 450-foot hit.
• Became the first NFL player to run for two 90-yard touchdowns in different games.

6. The Injury That Changed Bo’s Life

In 1991, Bo Jackson suffered a career-altering hip injury during an NFL playoff game. The injury led to avascular necrosis in his hip, ending his time in football and jeopardizing his MLB career.

The Royals released him, believing he would never recover. However, Bo proved skeptics wrong by rehabilitating himself and continuing to play for the Chicago White Sox and the California Angels. While he could no longer dominate the same way, his persistence and passion were clear until his eventual retirement in 1994.

Examples

• Injured during a playoff game in 1991, requiring a hip replacement.
• Released by the Kansas City Royals but found a chance with the Chicago White Sox.
• Played one final MLB season with the California Angels before retiring.

7. Post-Sports Ventures and Giving Back

After leaving professional sports, Bo Jackson embraced retirement with the same zeal he had on the field. He became an entrepreneur, developing products like the Bo Jackson Signature Portable Gas Grill and venturing into film and television.

Bo also focused on philanthropy. His annual event, Bo Bikes Bama, supports tornado victims in Alabama and has raised millions of dollars over the years. These efforts demonstrated his lasting impact, even years after his professional athletic career ended.

Examples

• Founded multiple businesses, including food and energy bar companies.
• Appeared in TV series like Married... with Children and films such as The Chamber.
• Raised over $2 million for Alabama tornado victims through Bo Bikes Bama.

8. Legacy as a Cultural Icon

Bo’s fame extended beyond his athletic achievements. His electrifying presence on the field made him a media darling, culminating in memorable campaigns like Nike’s “Bo Knows” commercials in 1989. These ads captured the public’s imagination and elevated him into a cultural icon.

Examples

• Starred in Nike’s “Bo Knows” commercials, which remain iconic.
• Became a two-sport All-Star, gaining limitless media attention.
• Inspired Tecmo Super Bowl fans as an unbeatable video game character.

9. A Life of Resilience and Growth

Bo’s journey encapsulates resilience. From a dire childhood, through incredible athletic highs and devastating injuries, to impactful philanthropy – his life is a testament to personal growth, adaptability, and giving back.

Examples

• Started from poverty with no advantages in Bessemer, Alabama.
• Rebounded from a career-ending injury to still make a difference off the field.
• Raised a family, founded businesses, and helped countless others over decades.

Takeaways

1. Cultivate physical and mental resilience to overcome any obstacle, as Bo Jackson did throughout his life.
2. Follow your passions boldly, even if it means taking unconventional paths or standing against criticism.
3. Give back to your community and use your platform, no matter how big or small, to make an enduring impact.