NFL, MLB Legend Bo Jackson Reveals Year-Long Battle With Chronic Hiccups

Bo Jackson, the former Auburn football star and MLB player, is currently battling chronic hiccups that have persisted for nearly a year.

The College Football Hall of Famer disclosed the news during an interview on "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning" on WJOX-FM in Birmingham, Alabama, per Fox News.

According to Jackson, he has had the hiccups "since last July" and has been undergoing various medical procedures to find a solution for the chronic hiccups. He added that his condition caused him to miss the Frank Thomas ceremony.

Bo Jackson is scheduled to undergo a medical procedure at the end of the week to try and remedy the health issue.

Medical Professionals Have No Answers

The legendary athlete shared that he has attempted various remedies for his chronic hiccups, but medical professionals have not been able to diagnose the root cause of his condition.

He humorously added that he had tried everything "from being frightened to hanging upside down, drinking water, to even smelling the rear end of a porcupine." They failed to cure his condition, according to People.

Chronic hiccups, which can last for years and signal an underlying medical problem, may also cause health issues such as sleep deprivation and significant weight loss due to decreased appetite.

Although rare, some individuals are at a higher risk for developing chronic hiccups, such as those who have recently undergone general anesthesia, have had abdominal surgery, suffer from mental health issues, or have illnesses affecting the liver, bowel, stomach, or diaphragm, according to Healthline. Pregnant women, cancer patients, individuals with nervous system disorders, and excessive alcohol drinkers are also at risk.

Bo Jackson is widely regarded as a football and baseball legend. In his last season with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1990, he was even chosen for the Pro Bowl while playing running back in the NFL. He was a 1989 MLB All-Star with the Kansas City Royals. Jackson also played for other MLB teams like the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels.