Very few people can relate to Kyler Murray’s situation the way Bo Jackson can, and the former NFL and MLB All-Star thinks Murray may find playing two sports slightly more challenging now than it was 30 years ago.
Jackson was in attendance for the MLB Draft on Tuesday, and he was asked about Murray remaining at Oklahoma to be the team’s starting quarterback despite being drafted No. 9 overall by the Oakland A’s.
The legend @BoJackson represents the #Royals at the #MLBDraft has fun with Harold Reynolds & advice for Kyler Murray @MLBNetwork @Royals @Athletics #BoKnows pic.twitter.com/rugTfsvafI
— Alexa Datt (@AlexaDatt) June 6, 2018
“The sporting world’s a little different now than it was when I played,” Jackson said. “They have more talent — way more talent. The talent pool is deep. I can’t tell the young man what to do. Whatever sport he chooses, concentrate on it.”
Jackson’s career path was a bit different than the one Murray is expected to take. After he was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 1982 MLB Draft, Jackson went on to spend four years at Auburn University, starring as a two-sport athlete and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1985. Many expect Murray to play just one season at Oklahoma, though Sooners coach Lincoln Riley appears to be holding out hope the 20-year-old could change his mind.
There’s a reason Jackson is the only athlete in history to be named an All-Star in pro football and baseball. While Murray should be able to juggle playing two sports in college, doing that professionally is simply unheard of in this day and age.
