Who is the greatest dual athlete in NCAA history?

[Gator2753]

Who is the greatest "duel athlete" of all time in the NCAA?
I say Julius Peppers from UNC. This Kid was a force at UNC both at football and basketball.
He could have easily played in the NBA but instead chose the NFL & is a great DE for the Carolina panthers.
I believe that he is the only person to ever play in both the mens final 4 and the Super Bowl.

[Cianne]

Bo Jackson. They still haven't found the ball from a HR he hit against Georgia.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Bo Jackson. This thread came to an abrupt end =(

[JerryBeeds]

Without a doubt, Bo Jackson.

[Gator2753]

Those 2 are probably neck and neck.
Peppers does not compare to BO as far as the impact they had on their college teams. BO was much bigger to Auburn than Peppers was to UNC.
The only thing peppers has on BO is the big games his been in. The final 4 in 2000 and the Super Bowl in which Bo has never played in.
I dont know its just my opinion. But as far as the SEC goes then its hands down Bo jackson.

[Gator2753]

Peppers is also in the middle of his NFl career but when its all said and done he will be among the best on defense. Hes been in the NFL for only 5 years and has 53.5 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, & 255 tackles. I see very good things in his future if he keeps this pace.
But I know I know SEC.... BOOOOOO!!!!!!:thumpsup:

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Bo Jackson is the greatest dual athlete in NCAA history, period. His pro career was cut short, but their is no doubt what could have been had he been able to continue. One of the greatest athletes of all time.

[azamugg]

well, lets list some of them for comparison purposes

we've mentioned Bo Jackson, and Julius Peppers

Danny Ainge
Deion Sanders
Kellen Winslow
Frank Thomas

come on guys, add a few

[downshall]

Bo Jackson, not even a competition. Grats Peppers on finding himself in a couple of big games. What's that got to do with anything? So Bo didn't find himself on championship teams. Doesn't change the fact that he was unbelievable.

I'll never forget a throw he made when playing for the Royals. KC vs. Seattle, Harold Reynolds on first. It's a tie game and bottom of the ninth. Guy at the plate hits a shot into the left field corner. There are two away, so Reynolds is running on any contact (may have even gone with the pitch). George Brett, playing third base, heads for the dugout thinking it's over. Bo got to the corner, picked the ball up and flat-footed a throw from the dead left field corner. Hit the catcher, perfect strike, no hop and nailed Reynolds at the plate.

Yeah, flat footed a baseball right at a hundred yards for a perfect strike. Un-freaking-believable.

Let's not even talk about the beatings he put on us in football while at Auburn, k?

[lacene]

Ainge only had a "cup of coffee" at the show with the Blue Jays, then spent the rest of his professional baseball career in the minors.

It has to come down to either Jackson, Sanders, or perhaps Brian Jordan. These athletes have played extensively - even started - for respective teams at a minimum of two professional levels. Jordan was very capable in both the NFL and the majors, but I'm not sure he made all-star teams for either sports. I know Sanders was a multiple all-pro in the NFL, but besides of his base-stealing prowess, he was not much more than a role player in the majors.

Jackson made the MLB all-star game in 1989, but never made the NFL all-pro game. He did play behind Marcus Allen, which had to limit his ability to shine. And his injury did cut his career short.

Still I'd pick Jackson, because he showed the ability to dominate in both the NFL and the MLB, whereas while Sanders was worthy of playing in the majors, nothing he did in that league can be classified as dominant....

[GatorNation]

I'll go with Sanders, just because he was a lot better at football (in the NFL) than Jackson was.....didn't the Braves (?) make the playoff run with Sanders in the lineup? I remember he played a NFL game, and then flew to a different city to play a MLB game in the same day. That's just nuts.

[bigsexxxy]

Antonio Gates, there's another name for you.

[gatorunvrsty]

I'd say Sanders accomplished more in the pros, obviously. But, we're talking about which NCAA dual athlete was the best; right? In that case, I hate to admit it, because I always thought Deion was a chickens..t; but, I'd still say Sanders.

Sanders was a star in three sports for the Florida State Seminoles, participating in football, baseball, and track. Beginning his freshman year, he started in the Seminoles' secondary, played outfield for the baseball team that finished fifth in the nation, and helped lead the track and field team to a conference championship. It was clear Sanders was an exceptional athlete on a national level.

At Florida State, under head coach Bobby Bowden, Sanders was a two time consensus All-American cornerback in 1987 and 1988, and a third team All-American in 1986, intercepting 14 passes in his career, including three in bowl games, and managed to return one interception 100 yards for a touchdown. He won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1988 and is widely considered to be one of the best cornerbacks to ever play college football. He was also a punt returner for Florida State, leading the nation in 1988 with his punt return average, and breaking the school's record for career punt return yards. His jersey at Florida State, #2, was retired in 1995. Sanders helped seal the 1988 Sugar Bowl for the Seminoles by picking off an Auburn pass in the last seconds.

While playing baseball under head coach Mike Martin, at Florida State, Sanders hit .331 in 1986; he was known more for base stealing, swiping 27 bags in 1987. Sanders would go on to be drafted while in college by the New York Yankees (He also was selected by the Kansas City Royals out of North Fort Myers High School, though he did not sign.)

Sanders also ran track during his years at Florida State. On one occasion, Sanders played the first game of a baseball double-header, ran a leg of a 4X100 relay, then returned to play another baseball game.

I thought he just started doing that in the pros (playing a football and baseball game, back-to-back), but apparently, he started in college.

[timNem]

Bo. He may not have played in a Super Bowl but thats a team achievement.

[Cianne]

Antonio Gates, there's another name for you.

Gates played only one sport.

[azamugg]

I'd say Sanders accomplished more in the pros, obviously. But, we're talking about which NCAA dual athlete was the best; right? In that case, I hate to admit it, because I always thought Deion was a chickens..t; but, I'd still say Sanders.

Sanders was a star in three sports for the Florida State Seminoles, participating in football, baseball, and track. Beginning his freshman year, he started in the Seminoles' secondary, played outfield for the baseball team that finished fifth in the nation, and helped lead the track and field team to a conference championship. It was clear Sanders was an exceptional athlete on a national level.

At Florida State, under head coach Bobby Bowden, Sanders was a two time consensus All-American cornerback in 1987 and 1988, and a third team All-American in 1986, intercepting 14 passes in his career, including three in bowl games, and managed to return one interception 100 yards for a touchdown. He won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1988 and is widely considered to be one of the best cornerbacks to ever play college football. He was also a punt returner for Florida State, leading the nation in 1988 with his punt return average, and breaking the school's record for career punt return yards. His jersey at Florida State, #2, was retired in 1995. Sanders helped seal the 1988 Sugar Bowl for the Seminoles by picking off an Auburn pass in the last seconds.

While playing baseball under head coach Mike Martin, at Florida State, Sanders hit .331 in 1986; he was known more for base stealing, swiping 27 bags in 1987. Sanders would go on to be drafted while in college by the New York Yankees (He also was selected by the Kansas City Royals out of North Fort Myers High School, though he did not sign.)

Sanders also ran track during his years at Florida State. On one occasion, Sanders played the first game of a baseball double-header, ran a leg of a 4X100 relay, then returned to play another baseball game.

I thought he just started doing that in the pros (playing a football and baseball game, back-to-back), but apparently, he started in college.

Bo Jackson was an All American in track as well................

Bo Jackson in front of Sanders by a decent margin, football cut short by injury but we all saw him win the heisman and saw him run in the pros and we all saw him play baseball

[bigsexxxy]

Gates played only one sport.

Ah damn, you're completely right. Forgot that he played basketball in college then switched to football.

[azamugg]

Bo Jackson was an All American in track as well................

Bo Jackson in front of Sanders by a decent margin, football cut short by injury but we all saw him win the heisman and saw him run in the pros and we all saw him play baseball

and if you're too young to have actually see him play then I could see how you couldnt make the decision as easily as those who did

[downshall]

and if you're too young to have actually see him play then I could see how you couldnt make the decision as easily as those who did

I agree with that wholeheartedly.

[timNem]

and if you're too young to have actually see him play then I could see how you couldnt make the decision as easily as those who did
Amen. He was like a thoroughbred geeked up on speed. Just ask Bosworth.

[WarEagle73]

Bo. He played in both the Pro bowl in the NFL & All-Star game in the majors. Only person in history to accomplish this in two professional sports.

[GatorNation]

Bo Jackson was an All American in track as well............

Didn't know that.....

[SeanVol]

Willie Gault! He did win gold medals in the Olympics.

[WarEagle73]

Didn't know that.....

Bo is one of those types that he is just good at whatever he tries. I watched him hit a tee shot at the Bruno's a few years ago that most pros would love to be able to do. I'm not sure but I could swear that right before he took his swing I could hear the ball say "please don't let him hurt me anymore!".

[SeanVol]

Bo. He played in both the Pro bowl in the NFL & All-Star game in the majors. Only person in history to accomplish this in two professional sports.

He is the best dual sport athlete that was any good I think. Deon Sanders was just track guy playing Baseball to steal Bases.

[Gator2753]

I'll go with Sanders, just because he was a lot better at football (in the NFL) than Jackson was.....didn't the Braves (?) make the playoff run with Sanders in the lineup? I remember he played a NFL game, and then flew to a different city to play a MLB game in the same day. That's just nuts.

You sir have a great point. Sanders was a part of a playoff Braves team not to mention he won TWO superbowls in the NFL if memory serves me correct. One with the 49ers and one with the cowboys.
I know AU fans are proud of BO but to say that he was hands down the best dual athlete is crazy. There are a couple who are right up there with him. As far as BO's pro career being cut short... well woulda, shoulda, coulda. All speculation.
Sanders did, did, and did have success in the pros.

[WarEagle73]

You sir have a great point. Sanders was a part of a playoff Braves team not to mention he won TWO superbowls in the NFL if memory serves me correct. One with the 49ers and one with the cowboys.
I know AU fans are proud of BO but to say that he was hands down the best dual athlete is crazy. There are a couple who are right up there with him. As far as BO's pro career being cut short... well woulda, shoulda, coulda. All speculation.
Sanders did, did, and did have success in the pros.

Due to the fact that bo was a Pro Bowl & All Star game player and was the only person to ever do so, I must disagree with you. Sanders was good but not that good.

[jbuzbee]

Tony Gonzales?
Brian Jordan? His football career was pretty brief.

The real answer to this question is simple: Bo Jackson. Without a doubt. Yeah Peppers is great....but he's no Bo.

[Chief Broom]

Definately worth mentioning: Charlie Ward-FSU, won the Heisman as a QB in college. Great player on an so-so FSU basketball team he was drafted by the NY Nicks as a point guard and played ten years in the NBA. Plus he was drafted as a pitcher by the Brewers in 1993 and by the Yankees in 1994 in a supplemental draft without having played college baseball.

[gatorunvrsty]

You sir have a great point. Sanders was a part of a playoff Braves team not to mention he won TWO superbowls in the NFL if memory serves me correct. One with the 49ers and one with the cowboys.
I know AU fans are proud of BO but to say that he was hands down the best dual athlete is crazy. There are a couple who are right up there with him. As far as BO's pro career being cut short... well woulda, shoulda, coulda. All speculation.
Sanders did, did, and did have success in the pros.

Football Awards
Pro Bowls 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997,
1996, 1994, 1993, 1992
1988 Jim Thorpe Award
1994 NFL Defensive Player of Year
2 Super Bowl rings
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

He only played part-time in baseball, but still ended up with a career .263 average; which isn't bad for a part-time player. And, in four games of the 1992 World Series, Sanders batted .533 with 4 runs, 8 hits, 2 doubles, and 1 RBI. He ended up playing MLB for 9 years. He's the only person to have played in the Super Bowl and World Series.

And, I'm plenty old enough to have seen them both play, and did. I've been watching ball games for 30 years. If Bo didn't have his career cut short, he may well have surpassed Deion's accomplishments, but we'll never know. They both won college awards for their positions. Bo got the Heisman, Sanders the Thorpe. Both were electric; and could change games. But, like Gator said: We got to see what Sanders could do in the pros. We never really got to find out how special Bo could be.

[lacene]

You sir have a great point. Sanders was a part of a playoff Braves team not to mention he won TWO superbowls in the NFL if memory serves me correct. One with the 49ers and one with the cowboys.
I know AU fans are proud of BO but to say that he was hands down the best dual athlete is crazy. There are a couple who are right up there with him. As far as BO's pro career being cut short... well woulda, shoulda, coulda. All speculation.
Sanders did, did, and did have success in the pros.

Sanders was a part time player for the Braves in '91 and '92, and was used extensively in a platoon with Nixon (CF) and Gant (LF), as well as a pich-runner due to his great speed on the base paths. His most extensive playing time in the post-season was in 1992, when the Braves lost to the Blue Jays. But he also played some against the Twins in '91.

His best year in the majors was with the Reds in '97, when he played in 115 games and had 465 AB's. He batted .273 and had 56 stolen bases. His career BA was .263 with just over 2,100 AB's, with 39 HR's, 168 RBI's and 186 SB's.

Jackson's best season was in his all-star season of 1989, when he hit .256 with 32 HR's, 105 RBI's, and 26 SB's. His MLB career includes a .250 BA, with 141 HR's and 415 RBI's, in just shy of 2,400 AB's.

I did not know that Jackson made the NFL pro-bowl. That makes it definite for me, as Sanders never got a whiff of the MLB all-star game.....

and saying a player was a better athlete in a team sport because his team was more successful or won titles is not an argument.........

[azamugg]

Definately worth mentioning: Charlie Ward-FSU, won the Heisman as a QB in college. Great player on an so-so FSU basketball team he was drafted by the NY Nicks as a point guard and played ten years in the NBA. Plus he was drafted as a pitcher by the Brewers in 1993 and by the Yankees in 1994 in a supplemental draft without having played college baseball.

good call chief, forgot all about Charlie Ward, not the best of this thread but should not be forgotten in this conversation

[Gator2753]

Deion Sanders is the only player in NFL history to catch a pass and make an interception in the Super Bowl.
I dont know about yall but that makes my toes curl the hair on my neck stand straight up.:laugh:

[gatorunvrsty]

Sanders was a part time player for the Braves in '91 and '92, and was used extensively in a platoon with Nixon (CF) and Gant (LF), as well as a pich-runner due to his great speed on the base paths. His most extensive playing time in the post-season was in 1992, when the Braves lost to the Blue Jays. But he also played some against the Twins in '91.

His best year in the majors was with the Reds in '97, when he played in 115 games and had 465 AB's. He batted .273 and had 56 stolen bases. His career BA was .263 with just over 2,100 AB's, with 39 HR's, 168 RBI's and 186 SB's.

Jackson's best season was in his all-star season of 1989, when he hit .256 with 32 HR's, 105 RBI's, and 26 SB's. His MLB career includes a .250 BA, with 141 HR's and 415 RBI's, in just shy of 2,400 AB's.

I did not know that Jackson made the NFL pro-bowl. That makes it definite for me, as Sanders never got a whiff of the MLB all-star game.....

and saying a player was a better athlete in a team sport because his team was more successful or won titles is not an argument.........

How can that be true? If RB's play behind a lousy OL, their numbers suffer; no matter how good they are. It's true that that can't be the ONLY factor; but that athlete is part of why his team was successful in the first place. They're also not playing the same position. It's hard to compare. In team sports, there are considerably more factors to consider than the athlete, himself. If Bo played behind an OL that was so bad that he didn't have much success, would we say he wasn't that good? Of course not. By the same token; one can't say Deion wasn't really good because it was the team that was the real success. He was part of that success.

[GatorNation]

Sanders was a part time player for the Braves in '91 and '92....His best year in the majors was with the Reds in '97, when he played in 115 games and had 465 AB's. He batted .273 and had 56 stolen bases. His career BA was .263 with just over 2,100 AB's, with 39 HR's, 168 RBI's and 186 SB's.

Jackson's best season was in his all-star season of 1989, when he hit .256 with 32 HR's, 105 RBI's, and 26 SB's. His MLB career includes a .250 BA, with 141 HR's and 415 RBI's, in just shy of 2,400 AB's.


So, as a part-time player, Sander's year in '97 was better than Bo's all-star season (aside from HRs: Sanders wasn't a power hitter anyway)?

How is that an argument for Jackson?

[downshall]

Yes, he was part of that team's success. We're not arguing that fact. The problem is that several people are mentioning that certain players played in the Super Bowl and/or World Series. These are *not* individual accomplishments - they are team accomplishments. The individual may be fantastic, but no one is good enough to get a team there alone. The Pro Bowl and All-Star games are individual awards - they are given to the best players in the league.

Deion was a bit player, brought in to steal bases. He didn't field particularly well, he didn't hit well and didn't hit for power. The only place Sanders surpassed Jackson was self-promotion.

[lacene]

How can that be true? If RB's play behind a lousy OL, their numbers suffer; no matter how good they are. It's true that that can't be the ONLY factor; but that athlete is part of why his team was successful in the first place. They're also not playing the same position. It's hard to compare. In team sports, there are considerably more factors to consider than the athlete, himself. If Bo played behind an OL that was so bad that he didn't have much success, would we say he wasn't that good? Of course not. By the same token; one can't say Deion wasn't really good because it was the team that was the real success. He was part of that success.

While I will concede that Sanders had the more sucessful NFL career than Jackson, and that had Jackson not been injured his NFL career would STILL be less than Sanders (because of Jackson spending so much time behind Allen), I still feel that Jackson's MLB career was better than Sanders, and since this thread is about DUAL athletes - stellar performances in 2 or more sports - I still feel that Jackson had more dominant performances in BOTH the NFL and the MLB than Sanders. The fact that Sanders played for the Braves in the '91 and '92 WS had more to do with the other Braves than with Sanders. He was more of a circus act than a true contributing team member of the Braves then, the way he helocoptered from the Braves to the Hawks......

[downshall]

So, as a part-time player, Sander's year in '97 was better than Bo's all-star season (aside from HRs: Sanders wasn't a power hitter anyway)?

How is that an argument for Jackson?

You're comparing *one* of Bo's seasons with Deion's career power numbers.

[lacene]

So, as a part-time player, Sander's year in '97 was better than Bo's all-star season (aside from HRs: Sanders wasn't a power hitter anyway)?

How is that an argument for Jackson?

Sander's stats in 1997:

Games: 115
AB: 465
Runs: 53
Hits: 127
2B: 13
3B: 7
HR: 5
RBI: 23
TB: 169
BB: 34
SO: 67
SB: 56
CS: 13
OBP: .329
SLG: .363
BA: .273


Jackson's stats in 1989:

Games: 135
At Bats: 515
Runs: 86
Hits: 132
2B: 15
3B: 6
HR: 32
RBI: 105
TB: 255
BB: 39
SO: 172
SB: 26
CS: 9
OBP: .310
SLG: .495
BA: .256

half as many RBI's as SB's is why. Haha, the batting ave. and SB's are the ONLY stats that are better than Jackson's. Jackson even had more doubles, and almost as many triples as Sanders had, despite being the better power hitter. His OBP is - for all purposes - equal to Sanders. Sanders would bunt his way onto first, then turn into Ricky Henderson on the base paths. Jackson had the more relevant stats......

[LedCock]

Out of 30 something replys, has anyone mentioned college statistics for a player instead of who made what pro-bowl? I thought this was about the best college player. :wacko:

[lacene]

Out of 30 something replys, has anyone mentioned college statistics for a player instead of who made what pro-bowl? I thought this was about the best college player. :wacko:

well, I thought Jackson and Sanders' college sports were brought up, as well as Charlie Ward's.....and it naturally progressed to pro sports. I guess pro sports is easier to recall than college sports, and I also guess that advancing to the professional level kinda justifies the college athlete's abilities. But you're right, this did veer somewhat off-topic....sorry.

[LedCock]

well, I thought Jackson and Sanders' college sports were brought up, as well as Charlie Ward's.....and it naturally progressed to pro sports. I guess pro sports is easier to recall than college sports, and I also guess that advancing to the professional level kinda justifies the college athlete's abilities. But you're right, this did veer somewhat off-topic....sorry.

Don't be sorry. I just thought it was funny that so many people talked about pro accomplishments compared to answering the original question.:laugh:

[GatorNation]

You're comparing *one* of Bo's seasons with Deion's career power numbers.


No, I'm comparing Sanders' best year with (presumably) Jackson's "best" (i.e., all-star) year, and aside from HRs, Sander's base numbers are better (including the OBP). Aren't BA and Hits the benchmark stats? The rest of Bo's numbers might just as easily be attributed to playing 20 more games: Sanders had almost as many hits in less games and almost 60 less at-bats. It seems logical to conclude that if he had 60 more trips to the dish, Sanders would have had more hits than Jackson. What does it mean that Sanders had more triples in less games and ABs?

I don't care either way; I'm just interested in the argument.

[Gator2753]

This turned out to be a great discussion. Even though we all ventured into pro sports comparisons, that was to be expected.

[PharmDawg87]

He played on the Kent State Basket Ball team as well. He averaged 20 points 7 rebounds and 4 assists as a senior.

[HOG02]

I would say Matt Jones. We didn't get cable or the internet in Arkansas until 2002.

[SeanVol]

What about Jim Thorpe?

[gatorunvrsty]

Yes, he was part of that team's success. We're not arguing that fact. The problem is that several people are mentioning that certain players played in the Super Bowl and/or World Series. These are *not* individual accomplishments - they are team accomplishments. The individual may be fantastic, but no one is good enough to get a team there alone. The Pro Bowl and All-Star games are individual awards - they are given to the best players in the league.

Deion was a bit player, brought in to steal bases. He didn't field particularly well, he didn't hit well and didn't hit for power. The only place Sanders surpassed Jackson was self-promotion.

Oh. You mean like the 8 pro bowls Deion went to, or his '94 defensive player of the year award. He'd have gone to 9 pro bowls in a row if not for injuries in '95.

[WarEagle73]

I'll settle this argument once and for all. I am the greatest two star athlete of all time. period.

[gatorunvrsty]

I'll settle this argument once and for all. I am the greatest two star athlete of all time. period.

:laugh: Great; but, what about the greatest two-sport star. I'm a 2-star athlete.:laugh:

[SeanVol]

I'll settle this argument once and for all. I am the greatest two star athlete of all time. period.

And you'll sign with UK in the near future and the guy that is Rich Brooks and Stan Health will use your name four years from now.

[Gator2753]

I played baseball and football in high school so I guess I could be best two sport athlete.
Does it count that I got a minority scholarship to a prep school for girls?:ph34r:

[SeanVol]

I played baseball and football in high school so I guess I could be best two sport athlete.
Does it count that I got a minority scholarship to a prep school for girls?:ph34r:

Did you dominate the competition at that prep school?

[lacene]

No, I'm comparing Sanders' best year with (presumably) Jackson's "best" (i.e., all-star) year, and aside from HRs, Sander's base numbers are better (including the OBP). Aren't BA and Hits the benchmark stats? The rest of Bo's numbers might just as easily be attributed to playing 20 more games: Sanders had almost as many hits in less games and almost 60 less at-bats. It seems logical to conclude that if he had 60 more trips to the dish, Sanders would have had more hits than Jackson. What does it mean that Sanders had more triples in less games and ABs?

I don't care either way; I'm just interested in the argument.

Jackson had more hits than Sanders (132 to 127). Jackson had better stats than Sanders in every category other than BA (.256 to .273), OBP (.310 to .329, which most will tell you is negligible), triples (6 to 7, again negligible), and SB's (26 to 56). Only the average and stolen bases are a significant difference. Sanders did hit better than Jackson did. The reason Sanders had more triples is because he hit line drives and he was - despite Jackson being a Heisman-winning RB - much faster than Jackson. Another reason is that Jackson hit his balls out of the ballpark more often: it's hard to take 2nd or 3rd base when you're doing the trot all the way home......

But if you want another comparison, here is the very next season (1990) of Jackson's after his All-Star season:

Games: 111
AB: 405
Runs: 74
Hits: 110
2B: 16
3B: 1
HR: 28
RBI: 78
TB: 212
BB: 44
SO: 128
SB: 15
CS: 9
OBP: .342
SLG: .523
BA: .272

now compare them to Sanders BEST season:

Games: 115
AB: 465
Runs: 53
Hits: 127
2B: 13
3B: 7
HR: 5
RBI: 23
TB: 169
BB: 34
SO: 67
SB: 56
CS: 13
OBP: .329
SLG: .363
BA: .273

now Sanders has the 50 extra AB's on Jackson, however the average is a wash, the OBP is in Jackson's favour, and Jackson still has more better power numbers than Sanders.

I don't care which is better, either. It's basically a wash to me. But IMO Jackson edges Sanders because he showed he could dominate in either sport, while Sanders showed he certainly could play in the majors, and even excel in certain situations (as a lead-off hitter and base path terror), but he could never dominate a baseball game. Not over an entire season. And no manager he ever played for asked him to.

Jackson played during the late 80's and early 90's, before MacGuire, Sosa and Griffey Jr. started exploding the stat books. This was when hitters like McGriff and Sheffield were leading the majors in HR's with 35 a season. Jackson averaged 27 HR's and 76 RBI's in a 4-year period from '87 thru '90, when he played a limited schedule (about a 120 game average). He could've been a 30-HR, 100-RBI guy those years easy if he played full seasons. In those days, that would've made him an annual All-Star......

[lacene]

I played baseball and football in high school so I guess I could be best two sport athlete.
Does it count that I got a minority scholarship to a prep school for girls?:ph34r:

yes! You got my vote as the greatest dual female athlete in prep-school history!

:laugh:





hey, I give what I can......

[shk999]

The Snake. His Football career is Legendary, and although he chose not to play pro baseball, he was drafted by the Yankees in 1966, his junior year. Stabler has won various championships, mvp's, pro-bowler, and other assorted awards at all levels that I am too lazy to look up right now. I know a NC Ring at Bama, A Superbowl Ring at Oakland, Sugar Bowl MVP, AFC Player of the Year, and the list goes on. Au will always have "Bo over the top" and Bama will always have The Snake and "The run in the mud".

[shk999]

So that settles it.

1 Ken Stabler aka "The Snake"
2 Deion Sanders aka "Neon Deion", "Showtime"
3 Bo Jackson aka "Bo"

:thumpsup: :thumpsup: :thumpsup:
:laugh: :laugh:

[timNem]

If you could add the category of breaking bats over your leg after striking out, Bo would win that too.

[shk999]

If you could add the category of breaking bats over your leg after striking out, Bo would win that too.

Great point Tim. In light of a new developement, the new standings are as follows.

1 Ken Stabler aka "The Snake"
2 Bo Jackson aka "Bo"
3 Deion Sanders aka "Neon Deion", "Showtime"

:laugh:

[lacene]

The Snake. His Football career is Legendary, and although he chose not to play pro baseball, he was drafted by the Yankees in 1966, his junior year. Stabler has won various championships, mvp's, pro-bowler, and other assorted awards at all levels that I am too lazy to look up right now. I know a NC Ring at Bama, A Superbowl Ring at Oakland, Sugar Bowl MVP, AFC Player of the Year, and the list goes on. Au will always have "Bo over the top" and Bama will always have The Snake and "The run in the mud".

I'm sorry.....what was the Snake's MLB career numbers again? I missed that.

[shk999]

I'm sorry.....what was the Snake's MLB career numbers again? I missed that.

Obviously you did, you missed where I said.....
although he chose not to play pro baseball, he was drafted by the Yankees in 1966, his junior year

[lacene]

I'm not sure I could put the Snake over either Jackson or Sanders, if they both played extensively in the majors (& Bo making the All-Star game), and the Snake didn't even play in the minors......

unless you know of another sport Snake was good in, or was joking....

[shk999]

I'm not sure I could put the Snake over either Jackson or Sanders, if they both played extensively in the majors (& Bo making the All-Star game), and the Snake didn't even play in the minors......

unless you know of another sport Snake was good in, or was joking....

Sorry bud, didnt know you have to play pro in both sports to qualify in this discussion. You know, especially because the original post in this thread uses Julius Peppers for an example, what other pro sport does he play, or maybe you were "joking..."

[SeanVol]

Great point Tim. In light of a new developement, the new standings are as follows.

1 Ken Stabler aka "The Snake"
2 Bo Jackson aka "Bo"
3 Deion Sanders aka "Neon Deion", "Showtime"

:laugh:

What other sport did Ken Stabler play?

[lacene]

Sorry bud, didnt know you have to play pro in both sports to qualify in this discussion. You know, especially because the original post in this thread uses Julius Peppers for an example, what other pro sport does he play, or maybe you were "joking..."

you were the one who brought up pro baseball. As I mentioned in another post earlier, a good way to compare how athletically "great" these dual NCAA athletes were, is if they were able to take their athleticism to the highest levels, such as the professional levels. That's what you did with the Snake's NFL football achievements (A Superbowl Ring at Oakland, .....AFC Player of the Year), so I wondered about his MLB achievements. Of course, if he also excelled at an amateur sport, and qualified for the Olympics (i.e.: NOT a professional sport), that would qualify as well. I'm just asking for some supporting stats......

Peppers played for the Tarheel basketball team for at least one season. He was a major player that year, IIRC, a dominant "big-body" that cleaned the boards and set inhumane picks. I believe his senior year (or last year - he may have left for the NFL early), he chose not to play for the basketball team, and instead focused on football.....

[shk999]

you were the one who brought up pro baseball. As I mentioned in another post earlier, a good way to compare how athletically "great" these dual NCAA athletes were, is if they were able to take their athleticism to the highest levels, such as the professional levels. That's what you did with the Snake's NFL football achievements (A Superbowl Ring at Oakland, .....AFC Player of the Year), so I wondered about his MLB achievements. Of course, if he also excelled at an amateur sport, and qualified for the Olympics (i.e.: NOT a professional sport), that would qualify as well. I'm just asking for some supporting stats......

Peppers played for the Tarheel basketball team for at least one season. He was a major player that year, IIRC, a dominant "big-body" that cleaned the boards and set inhumane picks. I believe his senior year (or last year - he may have left for the NFL early), he chose not to play for the basketball team, and instead focused on football.....


First, who cares what you mentioned in an earlier post, nobody lives by "lacene law" around here, I was replying to the "original post". Not one valid point in all that drivel. Stabler played FB and Baseball in college, Peppers played FB and Basketball in college. I mentioned Stabler chose football, just like Peppers chose football. I mentioned a "Super Bowl" just like the "original post mentioned, you guessed it, "The Super Bowl". I "brought up baseball" by saying he "chose not to play baseball", I dont really see how you could "wonder about his MLB achievements". Are you really that slow? Who really knows if Stabler was the best, I know he was great and deserves to be considered. Either way, you argument why he shouldnt (be considered) is useless.

[Chief Broom]

After reading through this discussion my list is:
Jim Thorpe-probably the greatest athlete in American if not world history
Bo Jackson
Deion Sanders
Charlie Ward
Julius Peppers

[Jay Bee]

Bo Jackson. They still haven't found the ball from a HR he hit against Georgia.

That homer was about like the one in 'The Natural', except it cleared the lights... Definitely a 500 footer..
BTW, Bo wasn't too shabby in track. Won the state decathlon in High School...

WDE!
jb

[WayzUp]

Can't believe Tony Gonzalez didn't get mentioned more than just once in 5 pages of posts regarding NCAA two-sport athletes. He was one of the better players on a sweet 16(elite 8??) Cal hoops team and among the best tight ends in his class in football.

Gonzo props aside, Bo Jackson easily has my 'vote' on this. I'm too young to remember much about Thorpe but the things Bo Jackson did were simply uncanny. The guy was the perfect athlete & if he hadn't gotten hurt......geez, who knows what he could have accomplished in both baseball and football. Even with a fake hip (before they really perfected hip replacement surgeries no less), the guy hit a homer in the MLB all-star game! Who does that?!?

Take Jim Thorpe out of the conversation and there isn't one. IMO anyway...

[ufloridagataz!]

Gates played only one sport.

No, he played basketball at akron for 4 years and didn't even play football.

[uscrules]

I would like to submit the name of Dave Winfield. Now in the Baseball Hall of fame. While at the University of MInnisota in 1972 he led his team to the Big 10 Basketball Championship and to the College World Series. In 1973 he was drafted by the San Diego Padres, the Atlanta Hawks, the Minnesota Vikings and the Utah Stars (ABA) the only player in history to be drafted by 4 major teams. He choose baseball and as a rookie with the Padres he started and batted 273, never playing in the minors. An all star 28 times, MVP, Sliver slugger awards, batting titles playing his last year in the majors at age 41.

[AUChamps]

What other sport did Ken Stabler play?
Beer Pong?

[Chief Broom]

I would like to submit the name of Dave Winfield. Now in the Baseball Hall of fame. While at the University of MInnisota in 1972 he led his team to the Big 10 Basketball Championship and to the College World Series. In 1973 he was drafted by the San Diego Padres, the Atlanta Hawks, the Minnesota Vikings and the Utah Stars (ABA) the only player in history to be drafted by 4 major teams. He choose baseball and as a rookie with the Padres he started and batted 273, never playing in the minors. An all star 28 times, MVP, Sliver slugger awards, batting titles playing his last year in the majors at age 41.

I never knew that about Winfield, very impressive. He certainly belongs in the top 5.

[azamugg]

COMPLETELY forgot about the exYankee superstar, knew that about him getting drafted by all three leagues too, gotsta admit, don't know if ANYONE can top that nifty accomplishment

[vandyfan84]

well, lets list some of them for comparison purposes

we've mentioned Bo Jackson, and Julius Peppers

Danny Ainge
Deion Sanders
Kellen Winslow
Frank Thomas

come on guys, add a few

Frank Thomas played only his freshmen year at Auburn, and I don't even think he dressed for a game. How can he be considered a dual threat. He was much better at baseball than he was at football

[vandyfan84]

I never knew that about Winfield, very impressive. He certainly belongs in the top 5.

Yeah, he was on Cold Pizza the other day I believe, or maybe it Jim Rome's radio show. That man is a legend in many sports.

[QC_Dawg]

what about Rich Brooks? o wait....


anyways, I agree with most of this. I am biased towards Julius Peppers, but I have to admit that Bo should be at the top. Plus, my older brother went to Auburn and would beat me if I didn't say that. Wait! I'm bigger than him, screw that. If they let Israel Troupe play football and basketball, he will be the greatest! Take that big bro!

[Coastal]

Bo Jackson. I had a family member at that game in Athens where he launched that home run. Still talks about it.