Auburn Celebration: Auburn University will honor Bo Jackson and the 40th anniversary of his legendary 1985 Heisman Trophy season during the 2025 Iron Bowl on November 29 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The special event will recognize one of college football's most dominant single seasons and celebrate the legacy of the man widely considered one of the greatest athletes ever to wear the orange and blue.
The 1985 Season: A Heisman Year
In 1985, Bo Jackson became only the second Auburn player to win the Heisman Trophy, capturing college football's most prestigious individual award with a season of historic proportions. Jackson's 1985 campaign established him as one of the most dominant college football players in history and set the stage for an extraordinary career that would span professional sports at the highest levels.
Bo Jackson's 1985 Heisman Season Statistics
Rushing Statistics
- Rushing Yards: 1,786 (2nd in SEC history)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 17
- Yards Per Carry: 6.4 average
- Games Played: 11 (injury-shortened season)
Award Recognition
- Heisman Trophy: 1985 Winner
- Unanimous All-American
- SEC Player of the Year
- National Player of the Year
Notable: Jackson achieved these historic numbers despite playing only 11 games due to a season-ending injury, making his per-game statistics even more remarkable.
Auburn's Football Legacy: The Heisman Tradition
Bo Jackson's 1985 Heisman Trophy represented Auburn's second Heisman winner in program history. As Auburn's athletics program celebrates this anniversary, the Tigers reflect on the rich tradition of exceptional football players who have worn the orange and blue and achieved the highest honors in college sports.
Auburn's Heisman Trophy Winners
Pat Sullivan (1971) - Quarterback who revolutionized the position at Auburn and led the Tigers to national prominence
Bo Jackson (1985) - Running back who produced one of the most dominant college football seasons in history
With only two Heisman Trophy winners in program history, Auburn recognizes the extraordinary nature of these achievements and the elite level of athleticism required to win college football's most prestigious award.
A Career That Transcended College Football
Bo Jackson's impact extended far beyond his single Heisman season at Auburn. His college career established a foundation for professional achievements that would make him one of the most versatile and celebrated athletes of the modern era. Jackson's willingness to pursue both NFL and MLB careers simultaneously demonstrated an athletic versatility rarely seen at the professional level.
NFL Career: The Oakland Raiders Years
Professional Football Statistics
- Team: Oakland Raiders (1987-1990)
- Seasons: 4 professional seasons
- Rushing Yards: 2,782
- Touchdowns: 16 (rushing), 0 (receiving in limited role)
- Career Impact: Demonstrated elite-level NFL talent despite playing part-time while pursuing MLB career
Career-Ending Injury: Jackson's football career was cut short by a hip injury suffered in a playoff game in 1991, which also impacted his MLB career. Despite the brief tenure, Jackson established himself as one of the most dominant running backs of his era.
MLB Career: Baseball Achievement
While many remember Bo Jackson primarily as a football icon, his baseball career was equally impressive, spanning eight seasons in Major League Baseball with four different teams. Jackson's ability to compete at the highest levels of both professional sports remains one of the most remarkable achievements in sports history.
Baseball Career Highlights
Teams: Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, California Angels
Career Span: Eight seasons in MLB
All-Star Selection: 1989 MLB All-Star Game MVP
Comeback Award: 1993 American League Comeback Player of the Year
Career Impact: Demonstrated that elite athleticism could transcend traditional sports boundaries
Jersey Retirement: Honoring the Legacy
Auburn's decision to retire Bo Jackson's No. 34 jersey in 1992 as part of the football program's centennial celebration underscores the significance of his impact on Auburn football. The retired jersey stands as a permanent symbol of Jackson's dominance and his place in Auburn athletics history.
No. 34 Retirement Ceremony
When Auburn retired Bo Jackson's No. 34 jersey in 1992, the program recognized that the number had become synonymous with excellence and dominant athleticism. The retired jersey has remained prominently displayed in Auburn's athletic facilities as a reminder of Jackson's extraordinary contributions to Tiger football.
Historical Significance: Jersey retirement is one of college football's highest honors, reserved only for players who have made transformative impacts on their programs and redefined what is possible at the college level.
2025 Iron Bowl Tribute: A Special Celebration
Auburn's decision to honor Bo Jackson's 40th Heisman anniversary at the 2025 Iron Bowl is particularly fitting. The Iron Bowl represents Auburn football at its greatest intensity and historical importance. Celebrating Jackson's legacy during this rivalry game connects Auburn's past glory with its present aspirations.
2025 Iron Bowl Special Events
- • Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
- • Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
- • Time: 6:30 PM CT (ABC Television)
- • Bo Jackson Tribute: Special pre-game ceremony honoring his 1985 Heisman season
- • Significance: First prime-time Iron Bowl since 2014
Bo Jackson's Complete Auburn Legacy
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Bo Jackson's impact on Auburn extended to how he carried himself both on and off the field. His combination of athleticism, character, and competitive excellence set a standard for Auburn football that continues to influence the program's culture.
Auburn Football Legacy Statistics
- All-Time Rushing Yards: 4,303 yards in four-year career
- All-Purpose Yards: 4,575 yards
- Rushing Touchdowns: 43 (college career)
- Games Played: 41 games over four seasons
- Average Per Game: Extraordinary production despite injuries and external commitments
The Broader Context: Auburn Football's Golden Era
Bo Jackson's 1985 Heisman season arrived during a particularly significant period in Auburn football history. Coming as Auburn was establishing itself as a consistent SEC power, Jackson's individual dominance amplified Auburn's national profile and helped cement the Tigers' place among college football's elite programs.
The 2025 Iron Bowl tribute to Bo Jackson also serves as a reminder of Auburn's rich athletic tradition and the program's historical accomplishments. At a time when Auburn football faces significant challenges, celebrating the achievements of legends like Jackson provides historical perspective and inspiration for future generations of Tigers.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures
Bo Jackson's 1985 Heisman Trophy season remains one of college football's most dominant individual performances. Forty years later, as Auburn honors this historic achievement during the 2025 Iron Bowl, the program celebrates not just the statistics and awards, but the cultural impact Jackson had on Auburn football and college sports broadly.
The 40th anniversary celebration provides Auburn fans with an opportunity to reflect on the exceptional talent and character that defined Jackson's college career and the remarkable professional achievements that followed. Bo Jackson's legacy transcends football—it represents the heights of human athletic potential and the responsibility that comes with extraordinary talent.
Bo Jackson's Legacy: Four Decades Later
- ✓ 1985 Heisman Trophy: Dominant college football season
- ✓ 1,786 rushing yards: Second-best in SEC history (in 11 games)
- ✓ 6.4 yards per carry: Extraordinary efficiency
- ✓ No. 34 jersey retired: Auburn's highest honor
- ✓ 4-year career: 4,303 rushing yards, 43 touchdowns
- ✓ Professional excellence: NFL and MLB elite-level success