In this age of multitasking (which is how future anthropologists will refer to our time period), everyone wants to do everything all of the time.

Between cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, digital-camera-iPod phones and something called a "Blackberry," we have countless devices (unless you only count the four I just listed; then we have four) designed to allow people to perform anywhere from two to 35 activities at once.

But for some reason, it seems that athletes aren't quite plugged into that whole multitasking trend.

Not that they don't all use those gadgets and stuff. They do. That, in fact, adds an extra heaping helping of hearty irony to what I'm about to say.

For you see, the age of multitasking has not affected the world of athletics. If the very concerned, very serious articles in national sports magazines are to be believed, fewer and fewer athletes are choosing to play multiple sports.

Not that some aren't trying. Recent Pittsburgh graduate and former basketball star Chevon Troutman tried out with — and was cut from — the Washington Redskins last week.

Because he was a former basketball player trying out at the tight end position, naturally everyone assumed he was trying to become "the next Antonio Gates."

Of course, as it would turn out, Gates can actually play football, but that was a minor difference. Gates helped lead Kent State basketball into the NCAA Tournament and didn't play football in college but managed to become one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers.

Troutman apparently didn't impress, for he was one of the first to be cut in mini-camp. But still, you have to admire his effort.

Since Gates is doing so well, it wouldn't hurt to have someone like Bo Jackson, who was good enough to play at a high professional level in two sports — football and baseball.

Jackson also appeared alongside Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan, in cartoon form, on the short-lived Saturday morning cartoon "ProStars," where the trio would use its various athletic skills to fight crime.

I don't remember much of the series, but I do know that Bo was always just a little more capable than the other two when it came to superhero duties. After all, he was representing two sports — America's pastime and its new favorite.

So if someone wants to step up, I heard the "ProStars" team has a new opening (three, actually, since the show was cancelled in 1991). All we need is someone to do a little multi-tasking and go for two or three sports.

He or she would be more well-rounded and would probably be in better shape, not to mention infinitely improving superhero-appeal.

I'd do it, but I can't find my Blackberry.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on May 2 2005.