Bo Jackson Responds After Being Called 'Mean' by Tony Gonzalez

The legendary two-sport athlete appeared behind Gonzalez during an interview, joking about his reputation.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:31pm

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During a recent interview, former NFL star Tony Gonzalez called his fellow Kansas City athlete Bo Jackson 'mean' and 'not very nice.' To Gonzalez's surprise, Jackson then appeared behind him, scowling jokingly. Jackson embraced the 'mean' label, saying that once you get past 60 you can 'take all the filters off' and 'say what you want.' The former NFL and MLB great also opened up about being a cancer survivor, announcing it publicly for the first time.

Why it matters

Bo Jackson is one of the most legendary and iconic athletes of his era, known for his incredible feats on both the football field and baseball diamond. His sudden appearance behind Gonzalez during the interview, and his playful embrace of the 'mean' label, provides a rare glimpse into Jackson's personality and sense of humor off the field.

The details

During the interview, Gonzalez was praising Jackson's demeanor and toughness as a football player, calling him 'mean.' To Gonzalez's surprise, Jackson then appeared behind him, scowling jokingly. Jackson acknowledged that he can be 'mean' at times, joking that once you get past 60 'you can take all the filters off' and 'say what you want.' Jackson also opened up about being a cancer survivor, revealing that he had his prostate removed in October and is now working to spread awareness about men's health.

  • Jackson appeared behind Gonzalez during a live interview on February 7, 2026.
  • Jackson announced publicly for the first time that he is a cancer survivor in October 2025.

The players

Bo Jackson

A legendary two-sport athlete who played in both the NFL and MLB, known for his incredible physical abilities and feats on the field.

Tony Gonzalez

A former NFL star tight end who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, and is now a sports commentator.

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What they’re saying

“He's about to come running through this table right now!”

— Simone Eli, Nexstar host (Nexstar)

“They also said you were very mean, a very mean person.”

— Tony Gonzalez (Nexstar)

“I said you were really nice, I swear to God!”

— Simone Eli, Nexstar host (Nexstar)

“I am mean. Once you get past 60 you can take all the filters off, you say what you want. You can be mean when you want, cause you can always blame it on 'Hey, I played football.'”

— Bo Jackson (Nexstar)

What’s next

Jackson plans to continue spreading awareness about men's health and prostate cancer prevention.

The takeaway

Bo Jackson's surprise appearance and playful embrace of his 'mean' reputation provides a rare glimpse into the personality of one of the most iconic athletes of his era, while also highlighting his new mission of raising awareness about men's health issues after his own battle with prostate cancer.