Bo Jackson Statue
A bronze monument at Auburn University honoring one of the most versatile athletes in sports history.
Larger Than Life
A 1.5x life-size bronze sculpture weighing 1,900 pounds, depicting Jackson in a dynamic running pose.
Honors his 1985 Heisman Trophy season (1,786 rushing yards).
Heisman Plaza
Located on the east side of Jordan-Hare Stadium (470-598 Heisman Dr).
Dedicated April 14, 2012
Part of the Heisman Winner Trio
Legacy & Tradition
Created by Montana sculptor Ken Bjorge, the statue stands alongside those of Pat Sullivan and Cam Newton. It serves as a popular gathering spot for students and fans, especially during gameday "Tiger Walks." Nearby, a bust of legendary coach John Heisman connects the past to the present.
"Celebrating the 40th anniversary of a legendary win."
Access
Open 24/7
Public Landmark
Artist
Ken Bjorge
Sculptor
Standing guard at Jordan-Hare, forever running into history.
History & Background
Bo Jackson (born 1962) is widely considered the greatest multi-sport athlete in American history — the only person to be selected as an All-Star in both Major League Baseball and the NFL. Born Vincent Edward Jackson in Bessemer, Alabama and raised in nearby Raimund, Jackson grew up in poverty as one of ten children. His extraordinary natural athleticism was evident from childhood, and he excelled in every sport he tried. At Auburn University, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 and starred on the baseball team simultaneously.
Jackson was selected first overall in both the 1986 NFL Draft (by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which he declined) and the 1986 MLB Draft (by the Kansas City Royals). He chose to play baseball first, then joined the Los Angeles Raiders as a "hobby" — treating football as secondary to his primary baseball career. The results were extraordinary: he made the MLB All-Star Game in 1989 (earning Most Valuable Player honors) and made the Pro Bowl in 1990. His Nike "Bo Knows" advertising campaign became one of the most famous sports marketing campaigns in history.
Jackson's career was cut short by a hip injury suffered in the 1991 NFL playoffs that required hip replacement surgery. He returned to baseball after the surgery, hitting a home run on Opening Day 1993 — an achievement so improbable it became legendary. He retired from baseball in 1994. Jackson remains a source of enormous pride in Alabama, where his athletic achievements are celebrated as the product of a specific place and a specific kind of Alabamian grit and determination. The Bo Jackson Statue honors one of the greatest athletes the state has produced.
Nearby Attractions
Auburn University Campus
Where Bo Jackson won the 1985 Heisman Trophy and starred in both football and baseball. Jordan-Hare Stadium, one of the most intimidating college football environments in the country, offers tours. The AU Museum hosts rotating exhibitions, and the beautiful campus grounds with Samford Hall — Alabama's most photographed building — reward exploration. The Auburn athletics legacy includes numerous national championships.
Rickwood Field (Birmingham)
The oldest professional baseball stadium in the United States, Rickwood Field opened in 1910 and served as home to the Birmingham Barons and, crucially, the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Willie Mays played here as a teenager before joining the Giants. The stadium has been carefully preserved and hosts annual vintage baseball games, including an MLB tribute game in 2024 honoring Mays and the Negro Leagues.
Paul W. Bryant Museum (Tuscaloosa)
Alabama's most famous coaching legend is celebrated at this museum on the University of Alabama campus. "Bear" Bryant's 323-win career at Alabama included six national championships and defined college football for a generation. The museum's collection of trophies, memorabilia, and film footage provides comprehensive coverage of Alabama football and its outsized role in the state's cultural identity.