Few Athletes

FEW ATHLETES can play two professional sports with equal ability. But in 1987, Auburn’s Bo Jackson proved he wasn’t an ordinary athlete.

Jackson, the first pick in the 1986 NFL draft, shunned football and opted to play baseball for the Kansas City Royals. After half a season in the minors, Jackson joined the majors, but football continued to beckon. The Los Angeles Raiders drafted Jackson again in the seventh round. Jackson and Raiders owner Al Davis agreed on a contract allowing Jackson to play both sports.

The outfielder/running back joined the Raiders the week following the 1987 NFL players’ strike. Jackson saw limited action in the next five games before facing the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football.

Seattle jumped in front 7–0, but Los Angeles tied the game on a 46-yard touchdown pass to James Lofton. In the second quarter, Jackson stunned the Kingdome fans and the national television audience. First, Jackson put the Raiders in front with a 14-yard touchdown catch. Then when Los Angeles faced third-and-six on its own 9-yard line, the 230-pound running back bolted around the left end and blazed past a baffled Seattle defense for a 91-yard touchdown.

The Raiders added two field goals before halftime, and on their first possession in the third quarter, Jackson broke for a 42-yard run to set up a 2-yard touchdown blast straight over linebacker Brian Bosworth. Jackson finished the night with 221 yards on 18 carries, setting a new Raiders rushing record in the 37–14 win.

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POINT In baseball, Bo Jackson hit, fielded, and ran bases well. In football, the college superstar ran wild. But few athletes manage to play two sports beyond high school or college. Usually players excel more at one than the other or enjoy one more. They have to choose and put one first.

The same is true in life. Something must hold first place in our heart. Jesus said that for most people, the choice comes down to God and money. Which do you serve: God or material things?

GOAL! Make a list of the five most important things to you: