How good was Bo Jackson?

[BigAl]

I been into a discussion with a fried of mine that's an avid fan of Bo Jackson. Since its the off season I'd like to get your opinion of how good you think Bo really was.

I keep telling this guy that Bo was good but not as great as he seems to think. He tellls me he was the best ever. He claims he was better than Emmit Smith and i find that hard to believe. I don't think Bo was as good as Walter Payton or Emmit or Hershel Walker. But he admits Bo wasn't as good as Jim Brown. What's your opinion on this?

[psychojoe]

There is no doubt in my mind that he was one of the most physically talented players we've ever played against. In 1983 he had two sensational touchdown runs against us to key their win. In 1984 he had a blunder on a blocking assignment that likely cost them the game. He was sensational again in 1985, but Van Tiffin saved the day. I would say that he was great by msot definitions of the word.

Here is what Wikipedia had to say.

During his time playing for the Auburn Tigers football team, he ran for 4,303 career yards,^[7] which was the fourth best performance in SEC history. Jackson finished his career with an average of 6.6 yards per carry, which set the SEC record (minimum 400 rushes).
In 1982, Jackson's freshman year, Auburn played Boston College in the Tangerine Bowl, where Jackson made a one-handed grab off an option pitch. Auburn went on to win the game 33-26.
In 1983, as a sophomore, Jackson rushed for 1,213 yards on 158 carries, for an average of 7.7 yards per carry, which was the 2nd best single-season average in SEC history (min. 100 rushes). In the 1983 Auburn-Alabama game, Jackson rushed for 256 yards on 20 rushes (12.8 yards per carry), which at the time was the sixth-most rushing yards gained in a game in SEC history and the 2nd best yard-per-rush average in a game (min. 20 attempts) in SEC history. Auburn finished the season by winning the Sugar Bowl, where Jackson was named Most Valuable Player. In 1984, Jackson's junior year (most of which Jackson missed due to injury), he earned Most Valuable Player honors at Liberty Bowl.^[8]
In 1985, Jackson rushed for 1,786 yards, which was the second best single-season performance in SEC history. That year, he averaged 6.4 yards per rush, which at the time was the best single-season average in SEC history. For his performance in 1985, Jackson was awarded the Heisman Trophy in what was considered the closest margin of victory ever in the history of the award, winning over University of Iowa Quarterback Chuck Long.^[7]
Jackson's football number 34 was officially retired at Auburn in a halftime ceremony on October 31, 1992. His is one of only three numbers retired at Auburn, the others being 1971 Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan's number 7, and Sullivan's teammate and favorite receiver, Terry Beasley (88). In 2007, Jackson was ranked #8 on ESPN's Top 25 Players In College Football History list.

[Birdman37]

One of the best backs ever, and that pains me to say. Not the brightest bulb in the pack but a sensational football player.

[planomateo]

he was a phenomenal athlete, no question about it. I always enjoyed watching him run, even when he played at Auburn. Watching him in the NFL was awesome as well.

Personally, I don't think Emmitt was as great as everyone makes him out to be, I think his line made him what he was ...same for Troy Aikman, but I'm sure some of you will argue. I think Bo was better than Emmitt.

[Bama1966]

Bo Jackson would of been without a doubt one of the best ever if not for his hip. Phenomenal runner, Great field vision and would run over you.

[TidePride50]

I think Bo is the most physically gifted athlete I have ever seen. So yes, I think he was great.

[Big_Fan]

He was a barner...but a phenomenal back. Once in a lifetime talent and ability. I wear crimson shades, but they are not dark enough to deny his greatness.

[Porter]

Few people know this, but he was also one hell of a tetherball player. He damn near killed some kids at McAdory High back in the day. In fact, his junior year, they had to do away with the sport during PE because of liability concerns.

[planomateo]

hell, I would say he was a better baseball player than he was a football player - and that speaks volumes about the type of athlete he was. the most impressive thing I ever saw him do was run up the wall in the outfield...it was crazy. He had many a stories on the football field, but this one in particular is one of the most amazing things I've seen.

[jdpas29]

Bo Jackson is one of the best all-around athletes i've ever seen. He was nearly unstoppable in the open field and was the most punishing hitter as a running back that i've EVER seen. i must give him props on that.