Jacksonville’s legendary Bob Hayes Invitational returns this week with 164 teams competing to honor Robert Lee Hayes, the only athlete in history to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. The sold-out event celebrates the legacy of “Bullet Bob,” the Jacksonville native who passed away in 2002 but continues to inspire student athletes through scholarships and competition.
“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 and was once the largest one-day track meet in the country. Coleman emphasized the meet’s prestigious reputation among competitors nationwide.
“We would always say if you can win and run at the Bob Hayes, you can run and win anywhere,” said Coleman. The invitational creates a platform for student athletes to display their talents, and scholarships are given out every year. This year’s theme for the Invitational and Gala is “Remembering the Legacy and Running towards the Vision,” reflecting Hayes’ enduring impact on athletics.
Andrew Lodge, Hayes’ grandson and now an elementary school teacher, only recently learned as a teenager just how influential his grandfather was as an athlete. “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. Lodge’s experience highlights how Hayes’ legacy continues to resonate with new generations of family members and athletes.
The weekend events include both the sold-out gala and the track meets scheduled for Saturday morning. 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 during the festivities. The comprehensive program ensures that Hayes’ influence extends beyond elite competition to grassroots athletic development.
Hayes earned his nickname “Bullet Bob” for his exceptional speed, which carried him from Jacksonville to Olympic glory and NFL success. His unique achievement of winning both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring remains unmatched in sports history. The annual invitational serves as a testament to his dual-sport excellence and commitment to developing young athletes.
The track meets will take place Saturday morning, bringing together 164 teams in what has become one of Florida’s premier high school athletic events. Students competing this week are not just participating in races; they are honoring the life of one of the most talented athletes to ever play two sports at the highest level.