Bo Knows The #1

In this third installment of the "Bo Knows" series, I have this 2001 Fleer Authority We're #1 die cut jersey card of Bo Jackson. This card has been in my collection for almost two years now. I was really excited to add this one to my collection. I love die cut cards and I'm a fan of anything Bo Jackson. I'm not exactly sure what I paid for this one as it was a couple of years ago, but I'm sure it was reasonable.

The card reads, "No. 1 Draft Choice 1986". Although true, Jackson never actually signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Bucs drafted him number 1 overall in that '86 NFL Draft. It seems strange that a player wouldn't sign a contract to make millions of dollars after being drafted so high, but Jackson wanted to finish out the NCAA eligibility he still had left to play baseball at Auburn University. This posed a problem to Bucs brass as they did not want their top choice to get injured playing that last collegiate baseball season. The Buccaneers thought it would be a good idea to fly Jackson out to Tampa to talk with him. This of course is against NCAA rules and Jackson lost his eligibility. With no eligibility left, Jackson was given an ultimatum by Tampa to sign with them or sign with a Major League Baseball team. Jackson decided the later and signed with the Kansas City Royals. I'm not sure how tough of a decision that really was. Play for the worst team in the NFL or join the organization that just won the World Series.

So if Jackson didn't sign with the Buccaneers, how did he get back into football? Don't worry, I'll tell you. Because he never signed, his draft rights were forfeited. He became draft eligible again in '87 in which the L.A. Raiders selected him in the 7th round with the 183rd overall pick. Not a bad pick up for old Al Davis.

So why am I telling you all of this? Because, "Bo Knows The #1". Happy collecting and… "Enjoy Every Bounce of the Ball".