Jacksonville Honors Olympic and NFL Legend Bob Hayes

The Bob Hayes Invitational and Gala bring athletes back to celebrate the life and legacy of the rare dual-sport champion.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:51am

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The city of Jacksonville is hosting the annual Bob Hayes Invitational and Gala this week to honor the legacy of the legendary athlete Robert "Bullet Bob" Hayes. Hayes is the only person to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring, and his impact on the community is still felt today through the track and field event that bears his name. The invitational features hundreds of student-athletes competing, while the gala celebrates Hayes' life and achievements.

Why it matters

Bob Hayes is considered one of the most talented and versatile athletes of all time, excelling at both track and field and professional football. The annual events in his honor help inspire the next generation of athletes in Jacksonville, where Hayes grew up, and ensure his remarkable legacy continues to be celebrated.

The details

The Bob Hayes Invitational track and field meet was first held in 1962 at Matthew Gilbert and was once the largest one-day track meet in the country. Today, the invitational features about 164 teams competing, with scholarships awarded to outstanding student-athletes. The gala event also honors Hayes' life and impact, with this year's theme being "Remembering the Legacy and Running towards the Vision". Hayes' grandson, Andrew Lodge, an elementary school teacher, is among those celebrating his grandfather's remarkable athletic feats.

  • The Bob Hayes Invitational and Gala are happening this week in Jacksonville.
  • The track meets will take place on Saturday morning.

The players

Bob Hayes

An Olympic gold medalist and Super Bowl champion, considered one of the most talented and versatile athletes of all time.

Andrew Lodge

The grandson of Bob Hayes, an elementary school teacher who is celebrating his grandfather's legacy.

Greg Coleman

The Executive Director for the Bob Hayes Invitational.

Nathaniel Washington

The founder of the original Bob Hayes track meet.

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What they’re saying

“They would say, 'Why are you here?' And I would say this is my granddad.”

— Andrew Lodge, Grandson of Bob Hayes

“It's legendary, it could change generations, it could change economic status.”

— Greg Coleman, Executive Director, Bob Hayes Invitational

“We would always say if you can win and run at the Bob Hayes, you can run and win anywhere.”

— Greg Coleman, Executive Director, Bob Hayes Invitational

What’s next

The track meets for the Bob Hayes Invitational will be held on Saturday morning.

The takeaway

The annual Bob Hayes Invitational and Gala in Jacksonville continue to honor the legacy of a truly remarkable athlete who excelled at the highest levels of both track and field and professional football. These events inspire the next generation of student-athletes and ensure Bob Hayes' remarkable achievements are never forgotten.