In a moment that reverberates through the hallowed plains of Auburn and beyond, Bo Jackson, the indomitable football legend, has been crowned one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2025. This accolade isn’t just a nod to his storied past; it’s a testament to a legacy that continues to shape the heart and soul of athletics. From the gridiron to the diamond, from Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium to the global stage, Bo Jackson remains a colossus whose influence transcends generations.
Picture this: it’s 1985, and a young Vincent Edward “Bo” Jackson is barreling through defenders like a freight train with no brakes. Auburn Tigers fans still speak in hushed tones about his Heisman Trophy-winning season, where he racked up 1,786 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, leaving opponents grasping at air. But Bo wasn’t just a footballer. He was a phenomenon—a two-sport titan who conquered Major League Baseball with the same ferocity, earning All-Star status with the Kansas City Royals. Who else could hit a 450-foot home run on Monday and bulldoze a linebacker on Saturday? Bo did, and he made it look effortless.
TIME’s recognition isn’t about nostalgia, though. It’s about impact. Jackson’s story is one of raw, unyielding determination. Born in Bessemer, Alabama, he overcame a challenging childhood marked by poverty and a stutter that made him a target for bullies. Yet, he turned adversity into fuel, forging a physique and mindset that redefined what an athlete could be. His duality as a football and baseball star wasn’t just a headline; it was a revolution. He shattered the mold of the one-sport athlete, paving the way for modern multi-sport stars like Deion Sanders and Kyler Murray. “Bo Knows,” the iconic Nike campaign, wasn’t just marketing genius—it was truth.
Today, Jackson’s influence ripples far beyond the field. His philanthropy, particularly through the Bo Bikes Bama initiative, has raised millions for disaster relief in Alabama, turning personal tragedy—his hometown was ravaged by tornadoes in 2011—into communal hope. He rides, he inspires, he rebuilds. TIME notes his ability to “leverage fame for impact,” citing how his annual bike rides have funded shelters, schools, and community centers. This is a man who doesn’t just talk about change; he pedals for it.
But let’s not kid ourselves—Bo’s legend is also about the jaw-dropping moments that still fuel sports highlight reels. Remember the 1989 MLB All-Star Game, when he launched a monstrous home run off Rick Reuschel? Or the 1987 Iron Bowl, where he ran for 247 yards against Alabama, cementing Auburn’s supremacy? These aren’t just stats; they’re cultural touchstones. Fans on X still post grainy clips of Bo climbing the outfield wall or stiff-arming defenders into oblivion, captioned with fire emojis and “GOAT” hashtags. His 4.12-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine? Still the stuff of myth.
Jackson’s inclusion in TIME’s list places him alongside global icons like Serena Williams and LeBron James, but his story hits differently. He’s the everyman who became superhuman, the kid from Alabama who made the world chant his name. His influence is in the kids lacing up cleats in Bessemer, dreaming of Heisman glory. It’s in the athletes who refuse to be boxed into one sport. It’s in the communities rebuilt by his charity. TIME calls him “a blueprint for resilience,” and they’re not wrong. A hip injury in 1991 could’ve ended his career, but Bo defied medical odds, returning to baseball and even earning a World Series ring with the Chicago White Sox in 1993.
As Auburn faithful celebrate this milestone, the broader sports world nods in agreement: Bo Jackson is timeless. His name evokes an era when athleticism was raw, unfiltered, and electrifying. Yet, his work today—mentoring young athletes, supporting Auburn’s programs, and championing disaster relief—proves he’s no relic. At 62, he’s still shaping the game, still inspiring. TIME’s recognition isn’t the capstone of Bo’s legacy; it’s a reminder that his influence, like his legendary runs, knows no bounds. War Eagle, Bo. War Eagle forever.
