OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
Legendary baseball and football star Bo Jackson flew to the city of Uvalde, Texas three days after 19 children and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School.
Jackson privately donated a check for $170,000 in order to pay for all funeral expenses for the victim’s families.
Playing in both the NFL and MLB during the 80s and 90s, Jackson is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. He was named an All-Star in both professional leagues — the only professional athlete to carry the title in both leagues.
“I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting old,” Jackson said. “It’s just not right for parents to bury their kids — it’s just not right.”
“Please pray for all victims,” he said. “If you hear something, say something.”
“We aren’t supposed to bury our children. I’m praying for all of the families around the country who have lost loved ones to senseless shootings. This cannot continue,” Jackson said.
“I know every family there probably works their butts off just to do what they do,” he said. “The last thing they needed was to shell out thousands of dollars for something that never should have happened.”
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Jackson said he’s driven through Uvalde many times before, which personalized a connection for him to the city.
He said despite not knowing a “soul” in Uvalde, the town stuck in his mind.
“It just touched me,” he said.
When Jackson visited Uvalde, he and his friend kept a low profile and dodged attention from the media.
Jackson presented the donation to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who “quickly directed to cover funeral costs” to a nonprofit helping with Uvalde relief efforts, a spokesperson from the governor’s office said.
During a May 27 news conference about the state’s aid given to the victims, Abbott first announced Jackson’s charity as an anonymous donation.
“The true spirit of our nation is Americans lifting up one another in times of need and hardship,” Abbott said. “In a truly selfless act, Bo covered all funeral expenses for the victims’ families so they would have one less thing to worry about as they grieved.”
