Bo Jackson
"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there."
Biography
Bo Jackson is not just an Auburn legend; he is widely considered the greatest athlete in the history of American sports. His four years at Auburn (1982-1985) produced a highlight reel that defies physics and logic. In the Iron Bowl, Bo was a force of nature. As a freshman in 1982, he scored the game-winning touchdown in "Bo Over the Top," a leap that broke a nine-year losing streak to Alabama and ignited a new era of Auburn football. In 1983, he rushed for 256 yards against Alabama, a performance that showcased his rare combination of world-class speed (4.12 in the 40-yard dash) and bruising power. His senior season in 1985 culminated in the Heisman Trophy, the second in Auburn history. Beyond the numbers (4,303 career rushing yards), Bo was a cultural phenomenon. He was a superhero in pads who could do things no other human could. He went on to become the only athlete to be named an All-Star in both the NFL (Raiders) and MLB (Royals). Yet, for Auburn fans, he will always be the freshman jumping over the pile at Legion Field, landing in the end zone and forever changing the trajectory of the Auburn-Alabama rivalry. Decades later, his name "Bo" is enough to evoke memories of dominance.
Statistics
Achievements
- Heisman Trophy (1985)
- 2x All-American (1983, 1985)
- 2x SEC Player of the Year
- Pro Bowl in both NFL and MLB
- One of greatest athletes ever
Notable Iron Bowl Games
The 1982 Iron Bowl is the moment the tide turned. After losing nine consecutive games to Alabama, Auburn finally broke through with a 23-22 victory at Legion Field. The game is immortalized by one soaring leap. Trailing 22-17 late in the fourth quarter, Auburn drove the length of the field. With under two minutes to play, they faced a 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Coach Pat Dye didn't hesitate. He gave the ball to freshman Bo Jackson. Jackson took the handoff and launched himself over the pile—and the Alabama defense—into the end zone. "Bo Over the Top" became the defining image of Auburn football for a generation. The win broke the psychological stranglehold Bear Bryant had on the rivalry.
The 1983 Iron Bowl was the Bo Jackson show. In a game played during a severe thunderstorm at Legion Field that included a tornado warning, #3 Auburn defeated #19 Alabama 23-20 to win the SEC Championship. Jackson was unstoppable. He rushed for 256 yards on 20 carries, an Iron Bowl record. His 69-yard touchdown run, where he seemingly reversed field twice, is legendary. He averaged nearly 13 yards per carry against a stout Alabama defense. The weather was apocalyptical, with torrential rain and wind. Despite the conditions, both teams played at a high level. Auburn's defense made key stops late to preserve the win. The victory propelled Auburn to the Sugar Bowl and a #3 national finish.
The 1985 Iron Bowl is widely considered the greatest game in the history of the rivalry. In a contest that featured four lead changes in the fourth quarter alone, Alabama defeated Auburn 25-23 on a 52-yard field goal by Van Tiffin as time expired. The final period was breathless. Auburn took a 23-22 lead with 57 seconds left on a Reggie Ware touchdown run. It seemed like Bo Jackson (who rushed for 142 yards) had done enough to win. But Alabama quarterback Mike Shula engineered a masterful two-minute drill, moving the Tide into field goal range. With three seconds on the clock, Van Tiffin lined up for a 52-yard attempt. The kick was perfect, clearing the crossbar with room to spare. Legion Field exploded.