Forever a Tiger: Bo Jackson Donates Entire $12.2M
Auburn legend Bo Jackson has once again proven that his legacy transcends sports. In a move that stunned even the most ardent fans, Jackson announced that he is donating the entirety of his $12.2 million earnings from recent business ventures and appearances to Auburn University, community charities, and underserved youth programs across the state of Alabama.
With this historic act of generosity, Bo Jackson — the only athlete ever to be named an All-Star in both Major League Baseball and the NFL — reaffirms his commitment to the place and people that shaped him. The message is clear: He is, and always will be, “Forever a Tiger.”
Bo Jackson’s influence at Auburn is unparalleled. A Heisman Trophy winner in 1985, Jackson rushed for 1,786 yards and 17 touchdowns during his final college season, leading Auburn to national prominence. But while his gridiron feats remain legendary, it’s his off-field impact that continues to grow.
Now serving as Auburn’s Director of Player Development, Jackson has spent the last few years mentoring student-athletes, fostering leadership, and strengthening ties between the university and its surrounding communities.
But this latest gesture — donating every penny of a $12.2 million windfall — is perhaps the most powerful statement yet of his character and mission.
“Auburn gave me a chance. Auburn made me who I am,” Jackson said during a press conference on Thursday. “This is not about money. This is about giving back to the people and the place that believed in me before the world knew my name.”
Jackson’s donation is divided into three strategic areas:
A significant portion of the funds will go directly to Auburn’s newly formed Student-Athlete Development Fund. This fund will provide resources for mental health counseling, academic tutoring, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) education, and post-graduation career placement for current and former athletes.
This initiative is particularly close to Jackson’s heart, as he’s long advocated for holistic athlete development, emphasizing the importance of life after sports.
“Too many young athletes are told their only value is what they do on the field,” he said. “We’re changing that at Auburn. We’re telling them they matter as people — students, sons, daughters, future leaders.”
Another large portion of the donation will fund the creation of the Bo Jackson Community Sports Initiative (BJCSI), which will build sports facilities in underserved Alabama towns, provide free athletic training programs for low-income youth, and create scholarships for students with athletic and academic potential.
This initiative will partner with local schools and non-profits to provide transportation, equipment, and coaching clinics — all free of charge.
Jackson emphasized, “Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. This program is about leveling the playing field for kids who have the heart but not the means.”
The final piece of Jackson’s donation will be divided among Alabama’s children’s hospitals and mental health programs for youth, including a major contribution to the Children’s of Alabama facility in Birmingham and UAB’s adolescent trauma counseling center.
Having been open about his own mental health journey, Jackson has become an advocate for ending the stigma around mental health in the sports world and beyond.
Auburn legend Bo Jackson has once again proven that his legacy transcends sports. In a move that stunned even the most ardent fans, Jackson announced that he is donating the entirety of his $12.2 million earnings from recent business ventures and appearances to Auburn University, community charities, and underserved youth programs across the state of Alabama.
With this historic act of generosity, Bo Jackson — the only athlete ever to be named an All-Star in both Major League Baseball and the NFL — reaffirms his commitment to the place and people that shaped him. The message is clear: He is, and always will be, “Forever a Tiger.”
Bo Jackson’s influence at Auburn is unparalleled. A Heisman Trophy winner in 1985, Jackson rushed for 1,786 yards and 17 touchdowns during his final college season, leading Auburn to national prominence. But while his gridiron feats remain legendary, it’s his off-field impact that continues to grow.
Now serving as Auburn’s Director of Player Development, Jackson has spent the last few years mentoring student-athletes, fostering leadership, and strengthening ties between the university and its surrounding communities.
But this latest gesture — donating every penny of a $12.2 million windfall — is perhaps the most powerful statement yet of his character and mission.
“Auburn gave me a chance. Auburn made me who I am,” Jackson said during a press conference on Thursday. “This is not about money. This is about giving back to the people and the place that believed in me before the world knew my name.”
Jackson’s donation is divided into three strategic areas:
A significant portion of the funds will go directly to Auburn’s newly formed Student-Athlete Development Fund. This fund will provide resources for mental health counseling, academic tutoring, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) education, and post-graduation career placement for current and former athletes.
This initiative is particularly close to Jackson’s heart, as he’s long advocated for holistic athlete development, emphasizing the importance of life after sports.
“Too many young athletes are told their only value is what they do on the field,” he said. “We’re changing that at Auburn. We’re telling them they matter as people — students, sons, daughters, future leaders.”
Another large portion of the donation will fund the creation of the Bo Jackson Community Sports Initiative (BJCSI), which will build sports facilities in underserved Alabama towns, provide free athletic training programs for low-income youth, and create scholarships for students with athletic and academic potential.
This initiative will partner with local schools and non-profits to provide transportation, equipment, and coaching clinics — all free of charge.
Jackson emphasized, “Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. This program is about leveling the playing field for kids who have the heart but not the means.”
The final piece of Jackson’s donation will be divided among Alabama’s children’s hospitals and mental health programs for youth, including a major contribution to the Children’s of Alabama facility in Birmingham and UAB’s adolescent trauma counseling center.
Having been open about his own mental health journey, Jackson has become an advocate for ending the stigma around mental health in the sports world and beyond.
The announcement has sent waves of gratitude and emotion across Auburn’s campus and beyond. Students, alumni, and staff have taken to social media to praise Jackson’s selfless act.
Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts called it “one of the most heartfelt and impactful gifts in university history,” noting that Jackson’s actions are “a blueprint for what servant leadership truly looks like.”
Head football coach Hugh Freeze, who has worked closely with Jackson over the past season, was visibly emotional during his remarks.
“You see Bo Jackson and think of greatness — on the field, in commercials, in pop culture. But it’s what he does away from the spotlight that shows the depth of the man. This gift will change lives.”
Several Auburn athletes spoke about how Jackson has directly influenced their journeys.
Miles Kelly, the Tigers’ star basketball guard and 2025 Sporting News National Player of the Year, shared his thoughts:
“Bo doesn’t just talk. He shows up. Whether it’s sitting down for lunch with you after practice or checking in on your family — he’s always there. This donation is just Bo being Bo. He’s the heartbeat of Auburn.”
Senior linebacker Cam Riley echoed that sentiment, noting that Bo was one of the first people to welcome his family on a recruiting visit.
“That man told my mama, ‘Your son’s going to be taken care of here.’ And he meant it. This gift proves it again.”
This donation isn’t a sudden act. Bo Jackson has long had a history of philanthropic giving. After the 2011 tornadoes devastated parts of Alabama, Jackson launched the “Bo Bikes Bama” charity bike ride to support rebuilding efforts. Over the years, that event has raised millions for storm relief and community rebuilding efforts.
He’s also quietly paid for dozens of scholarships and hospital bills for families in need, often without seeking publicity. Jackson has said in past interviews that he prefers to let his actions speak for him.
“God blessed me with a platform. It would be a waste not to use it for something more than just fame,” he said in a 2020 interview.
As the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era continues to reshape college athletics, Jackson’s gift takes on even more significance.
Rather than critiquing NIL as many former athletes have done, Jackson embraces it — and is using his platform to ensure young athletes are educated and prepared for the complexities that come with early fame and wealth.
Through the Student-Athlete Development Fund, Jackson plans to introduce mandatory financial literacy workshops, media training, and peer mentorship for Auburn athletes.
“The money’s great,” Jackson said, “but if we don’t teach these young men and women how to handle it — how to keep their values grounded — then we’re setting them up for failure.”
In addition to his $12.2 million donation, Jackson announced the launch of the “Forever a Tiger Foundation,” which will continue to raise funds for Auburn students, athletics, and underserved communities across the South.
He said the foundation will host annual galas, 5K runs, and leadership summits on Auburn’s campus starting in Fall 2025.
“This isn’t a farewell gift. This is a new beginning,” Jackson said with a smile. “I’m not done yet.”
At the close of the press conference, Jackson read from a handwritten letter addressed to Auburn University:
“To the place that gave me a name, a chance, and a family — this is for you. Every game, every run, every swing of the bat — I carried Auburn in my heart. Now, I give this gift with full confidence that this university, this town, and these young men and women will make it multiply tenfold. Forever a Tiger. Love always, Bo.
Bo Jackson’s $12.2 million donation is more than a financial gift — it is a living testament to loyalty, humility, and love. It proves that heroes don’t just rise in stadiums or shine on highlight reels. Sometimes, they sit quietly across from you, hand you a check, and ask what more they can do to help.
Bo Jackson has given Auburn his blood, sweat, and glory. Now, he’s giving it his heart — and that may be the most valuable contribution of all.
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The announcement has sent waves of gratitude and emotion across Auburn’s campus and beyond. Students, alumni, and staff have taken to social media to praise Jackson’s selfless act.
Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts called it “one of the most heartfelt and impactful gifts in university history,” noting that Jackson’s actions are “a blueprint for what servant leadership truly looks like.”
Head football coach Hugh Freeze, who has worked closely with Jackson over the past season, was visibly emotional during his remarks.
“You see Bo Jackson and think of greatness — on the field, in commercials, in pop culture. But it’s what he does away from the spotlight that shows the depth of the man. This gift will change lives.”
Several Auburn athletes spoke about how Jackson has directly influenced their journeys.
Miles Kelly, the Tigers’ star basketball guard and 2025 Sporting News National Player of the Year, shared his thoughts:
“Bo doesn’t just talk. He shows up. Whether it’s sitting down for lunch with you after practice or checking in on your family — he’s always there. This donation is just Bo being Bo. He’s the heartbeat of Auburn.”
Senior linebacker Cam Riley echoed that sentiment, noting that Bo was one of the first people to welcome his family on a recruiting visit.
“That man told my mama, ‘Your son’s going to be taken care of here.’ And he meant it. This gift proves it again.”
This donation isn’t a sudden act. Bo Jackson has long had a history of philanthropic giving. After the 2011 tornadoes devastated parts of Alabama, Jackson launched the “Bo Bikes Bama” charity bike ride to support rebuilding efforts. Over the years, that event has raised millions for storm relief and community rebuilding efforts.
He’s also quietly paid for dozens of scholarships and hospital bills for families in need, often without seeking publicity. Jackson has said in past interviews that he prefers to let his actions speak for him.
“God blessed me with a platform. It would be a waste not to use it for something more than just fame,” he said in a 2020 interview.
As the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era continues to reshape college athletics, Jackson’s gift takes on even more significance.
Rather than critiquing NIL as many former athletes have done, Jackson embraces it — and is using his platform to ensure young athletes are educated and prepared for the complexities that come with early fame and wealth.
Through the Student-Athlete Development Fund, Jackson plans to introduce mandatory financial literacy workshops, media training, and peer mentorship for Auburn athletes.
“The money’s great,” Jackson said, “but if we don’t teach these young men and women how to handle it — how to keep their values grounded — then we’re setting them up for failure.”
In addition to his $12.2 million donation, Jackson announced the launch of the “Forever a Tiger Foundation,” which will continue to raise funds for Auburn students, athletics, and underserved communities across the South.
He said the foundation will host annual galas, 5K runs, and leadership summits on Auburn’s campus starting in Fall 2025.
“This isn’t a farewell gift. This is a new beginning,” Jackson said with a smile. “I’m not done yet.”
At the close of the press conference, Jackson read from a handwritten letter addressed to Auburn University:
“To the place that gave me a name, a chance, and a family — this is for you. Every game, every run, every swing of the bat — I carried Auburn in my heart. Now, I give this gift with full confidence that this university, this town, and these young men and women will make it multiply tenfold. Forever a Tiger. Love always, Bo.”