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Bo Jackson was an athletic phenomenon who could have been elected to the Halls of Fame for both the National Football League and Major League Baseball if not for injury that took him out of the game in his prime. He was simply amazing to behold, a potent combination of speed, power and quickness that may never have been equaled in professional sports.

Now he’s taking on banking, according to Jim Williams of CBS2 Chicago. If you get your short term loans and mortgage loan modification at any bank, try Bo’s. He’ll take it to the house (hopefully, yours).

He said he knew everything

“One thing that I must stress – I’m not the only owner of this bank,” said Jackson.

Perhaps that’s for the best, but let’s see what he can do on this playing field. Vincent Edward “Bo” Jackson, 46, is opening up a chartered bank called Burr Ridge Bank and Trust. He’s backing this new chartered bank in southwest suburban Burr Ridge, Illinois.

Jackson is a longtime businessman who has decided to take on the challenge of lifting a sagging industry. He took on challenge with characteristic intensity during his athletic days; who’s to say his run through the banking world will be any different?

Why banking, Bo?

“We have no type of debt, like all the other banks. We’re a small community bank and one thing we all decided, is that if we are going to do a bank in our community, it needs to be owned by the people who live in the community,” Jackson said.

“This is home. This is where we are comfortable,” said Jackson. He and his wife, have raised their kids in Burr Ridge.

This is not a publicity stunt

“We interviewed Bo. He was very committed to growing the bank and being part of our organization, not just a name,” said Roy Thygesen, CEO and president of Burr Ridge Bank and Trust.

“What I’ve read about you would indicate you’re a guy who lives in the present, with an eye toward the future. You don’t have any desire to relive the glory days. Would that be accurate?” Williams asked Jackson.

“You just won the lotto,” Jackson responded.

But what a meteoric career he had

Jackson won the Heisman Trophy while attending Auburn University. Then he played running back for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1987 to 1990, while playing outfield at the same time for the Kansas City Royals. He was an Pro Bowler/All-Star in both sports, the only person ever to attain such an honor. A hip ending injury derailed his football career in 1991, yet he continued to play baseball to some success. He continued to mash home runs for the Chicago White Sox in the 1991 and 1993 seasons, then finished his career with the California Angels before retiring in 1994.

To the general public, however, Jackson may be best known for his series of “Bo Knows” commercials for Nike athletic shoes and apparel. After his playing days, Jackson entered into the business world and spoke regularly with children in schools about health and nutrition.

He’s happy

Clearly Jackson is still in his element. Unlike many athletes who lose their way after their playing days are over, Bo Jackson has forged ahead. His family loves the Burr Ridge area and Bo is focused on the challenge ahead of him. If he takes on running a bank like he did defensive backs and fastballs, the people of the Burr Ridge area may find a little pocket of financial stability in unstable times.

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