Bo Jackson Wife: Linda Garrett’s Professional Life, Their Children and Long Marriage

Bo Jackson, the legendary athlete who played professional football and baseball, has recently spoken about his health challenges and the importance of family. During a February 2026 interview, the former NFL and MLB star revealed that he had undergone treatment for prostate cancer and was now cancer-free. He also shared how much he enjoys spending time with his two grandsons, describing grandfatherhood as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

Away from his remarkable sporting career, Jackson has shared nearly four decades of marriage with his wife, Linda Garrett Jackson. The couple met while studying at Auburn University and married in 1987, before Jackson became one of America’s most recognizable sports personalities.

Together, they have raised three children and maintained a relatively private family life. Linda has supported Jackson through his athletic achievements, career-ending injuries, business ventures and retirement.

Who Is Bo Jackson’s Wife Linda Garrett?

Bo Jackson’s wife is Linda Garrett Jackson, a rehabilitation counselor who has been married to the former professional athlete since September 1987.

Unlike her husband, Linda has generally avoided public attention and has focused on her professional responsibilities and family.

She studied at Auburn University, where she pursued graduate education in psychology. Her academic background eventually led her toward work in rehabilitation counseling.

Linda became part of Jackson’s life before he reached the height of his professional fame.

Although Jackson was celebrated for his extraordinary athletic abilities, Linda maintained her own professional identity rather than pursuing a career in entertainment or sports.

The couple have continued living in the Chicago suburbs, where they established their family home.

How Did Bo Jackson Meet His Wife Linda Garrett?

Bo Jackson and Linda Garrett met while attending Auburn University in Alabama.

At the time, Jackson was a talented college athlete who competed in football, baseball and track and field.

Linda was pursuing her graduate studies when their relationship began.

Their connection developed during Jackson’s college years, before he became a professional baseball and football player.

Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 1985, establishing himself as one of the country’s most accomplished college football players.

Linda was already an important part of his personal life during this period.

The couple eventually married on September 5, 1987, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Their wedding took place during Jackson’s first full Major League Baseball season with the Kansas City Royals.

How Long Have Bo Jackson and Linda Garrett Been Married?

Bo Jackson and Linda Garrett have been married for more than 39 years as of November 2026.

Their relationship has lasted through several major transitions, including Jackson’s professional sports career, retirement and business activities.

In a 2012 interview, Jackson was asked about the secret to maintaining a successful marriage.

He jokingly explained that the key was following his wife’s instructions and making sure she was always right.

His humorous response reflected the comfortable relationship the couple had developed over the years.

Linda has remained alongside Jackson as he transitioned from professional sports into business ownership, charitable activities and family life.

Do Bo Jackson and Linda Garrett Have Children?

Bo Jackson and Linda Garrett have three children: two sons, Garrett and Nicholas, and a daughter, Morgan.

Their eldest son, Garrett, was born in 1986, followed by Nicholas in 1988 and Morgan in 1989.

The couple raised their children primarily in the Chicago area, where Jackson spent part of his professional baseball career.

Despite his fame, Jackson has generally preferred to keep his children’s personal lives away from media attention.

In interviews, he has spoken about the importance of being present for his family, particularly because his own childhood involved growing up without a consistently involved father.

By 2026, Jackson had also become a grandfather.

During a February interview, he revealed that he has two grandsons and enjoys spending time with them.

He described his role as a grandfather with enthusiasm, explaining that he finds tremendous happiness in making his grandchildren feel special.

What Does Bo Jackson’s Wife Do for a Living?

Linda Garrett Jackson has worked as a rehabilitation counselor.

Her professional background is connected to psychology and helping individuals manage personal challenges and improve their independence.

She pursued graduate studies at Auburn University, where she met Jackson.

Although her husband became internationally famous through professional sports and advertising campaigns, Linda maintained a comparatively private professional life.

Specific information about her current employment and retirement status has not been widely disclosed.

Her career reflects an independent professional background outside her husband’s sporting achievements.

How Did Linda Support Bo Jackson Through His Career?

Bo Jackson became one of the few athletes to achieve major success in both the NFL and Major League Baseball.

He played professional baseball for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox and California Angels.

In football, he represented the Los Angeles Raiders and became famous for his remarkable combination of speed and power.

However, his athletic career changed dramatically after he suffered a serious hip injury during an NFL playoff game in January 1991.

The injury eventually required hip replacement surgery and ended his football career.

Jackson returned to professional baseball but retired from competitive sports in 1994.

Throughout these changes, his marriage to Linda remained an important part of his personal life.

The couple subsequently focused on raising their children and building a life beyond professional athletics.

Bo Jackson and Linda Garrett’s Family Life Today

Bo Jackson and Linda Garrett continue to maintain a relatively private lifestyle.

The former athlete has remained involved in business, charitable initiatives and sports-related activities, including his work supporting community programs.

In February 2026, Jackson publicly discussed his experience with prostate cancer and confirmed that he was cancer-free following treatment.

He also acknowledged the physical challenges associated with aging and his previous athletic injuries.

Family has become an increasingly important part of his retirement, particularly his relationship with his grandchildren.

While Jackson remains remembered for his achievements in baseball and football, his marriage to Linda Garrett has been one of the longest-lasting relationships in his personal life.

The couple celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in September 2026 and continue to share a family that includes their three adult children and grandchildren.