28 years ago, Bo Jackson picked baseball over football and signed with the Royals

Twenty-eight years ago, today, Bo Jackson signed with the World Series Champion Kansas City Royals in a move that would stun most people who can do math. Jackson had won college football's Heisman Trophy for his accomplishments on the gridiron at Auburn in 1985. The following year he was drafted by the Royals in the fourth round of that year's amateur draft and was also selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the top pick in the 1986 NFL Draft. The Buccs reportedly told Jackson he couldn't play football for them and baseball.

On June 20, 1986, Bo Jackson followed his heart into America's pastime, signing a contract that was rumored to be $5 million for five years, but was actually much closer to a normal rookie baseball contract. (In his first season with the Royals Jackson earned $330,000.) 

He announced his decision the following day, donning a Royals cap and joking, "I've had my share of football. Not to brag, but I've got my trophy."

Jackson would play 53 games in the minors before getting a September call to the bigs. He made the club outright in '87 and started the All-Star Game in 1989, hitting a home run to lead off the game, driving in the winning run and stealing a base. He was the game's MVP.

Thanks for picking baseball, Bo.