JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville is home to one of the rarest athletes of all time.
Robert Lee Hayes, or Bob Hayes, sometimes even known as “Bullet Bob” for his speed, is from Jacksonville and the ONLY athlete to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring.
Hayes passed away in 2002, but his legacy lives on through his Bob Hayes Invitational and Gala happening this week, where track stars and NFL legends have returned to honor “Bullet Bob’s” legacy.
His grandson is Andrew Lodge, who is an elementary school teacher now, only recently learned just how influential his grandpa was as a teen in high school.
“They would say, ‘Why are you here?’ And I would say this is my granddad,” Lodge said as he reflected on learning how famous his beloved grandfather is as an athlete.
The invitational creates a platform for student athletes to display their talents, and scholarships are given out every year, too.
“It’s legendary, it could change generations, it could change economic status,” said Greg Coleman, Executive Director for the Bob Hayes Invitational.
The track invitational started back in 1962 at Matthew Gilbert. It was once the largest one-day track meet in the country.
“We would always say if you can win and run at the Bob Hayes, you can run and win anywhere,” said Coleman.
As students come back to Jacksonville for the gala and invitational this week, they are not just coming to compete; they are honoring the life of one of the most talented athletes to ever play two sports.
This year’s theme for the Invitational and Gala is “Remembering the Legacy and Running towards the Vision”.
The invitational is already sold out with about 164 teams, and the gala is sold out, too.
Middle school students will also participate in a clinic, while Nathaniel Washington, who was the founder of the Bob Hayes track meet, will be honored.
The track meets will be on Saturday morning.
If you would like to donate to the program, click this link.