Willie Gault -- Calls Out Bo Jackson ... My Tecmo Bowl Guy Was Better

Former NFL speedster Willie Gault just made the boldest claim in the history of TMZ Sports ... 'cause he says his character was the king of "Tecmo Bowl" ... and NOT Bo Jackson.

Willie was out at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (he's kind of a speed freak) when our camera guy went full video game nerd ... and Willie threw down the gauntlet on Bo's 8-bit avatar.

FYI -- The unstoppability of Jackson's "Tecmo Bowl" is legendary ... right up there with the code to "Contra" and the secret to beating Mike Tyson in "Punch Out!" (when he blinks hit him).

Check out the clip -- Willie proudly states that his digital doppleganger was actually the "king" of "Tecmo Bowl" although he hasn't played the game in years

Look at Bo below ... and judge the level of sacrilege for yourself.