Why We Watch: Bo Jackson Bikes for Alabama Tornado Relief

The State of Alabama stretches 190 miles through the very heart of the American South, and every last square foot is home to Bo Jackson.

The multi-sport megastar was born in Bessemer, a city nestled in the heart of the Alabama. After excelling at football, baseball and track in high school, Jackson decided to take on all three sports at Auburn.

Though his alma mater is entrenched in a deep, bitter rivalry with the University of Alabama, it didn't stop Bo from reaching across the aisle when the state was ravaged by tornadic activity in April 2011.

Tuscaloosa, the home of the Alabama Crimson Tide, suffered the brunt of the damage. Needless to say, folks on both sides of the Iron Bowl rivalry were happy to lend their support. 

For his part, Jackson organized "Bo Bikes Bama," a five-day bike ride across Alabama to raise support and morale for a state in desperate need of both. This year was the advent of the bike race with hope that it will become an annual event.

Supporting Bo were thousands of Alabama residents who came out to cheer on the cause and several high profile athletes including Ken Griffey Jr., Picabo Street and, of course, Lance Armstrong—all of whom lent their celebrity to make the event more high-profile. 

Jackson's amazing career may have been cut short, but it hasn't stopped him from, as he likes to say, "putting a little sunshine in somebody's life."

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Director/Producer: Amir Ebrahimi
Editor: Jacques del Conte
Camera men: Herby Strickland, Mark Ramsey

Extra Special Thanks to:

Julie Ward at Big Communications 

Special thanks to:

Lance Armstrong
Ken Griffey Jr.
Picabo Street
Paige Smith
Yumi Ozama at NIKE
Brain Strong at NIKE
Jonathan Graves
Craig Parks at Arts and Labor
Andrew Logan at Arts and Labor
Becca Mocwaters at Flywheel sports
Flywheel Sports Atlanta
Faris at Cahaba Cycles
Cahaba Cycles Alabama
Trek Bikes
Susana Schuler
The good people of Alabama
Tuscaloosa Fire Department
Ryan O'Leary