April 2, 2026 - They say he was the fastest man alive.
They say he put Jacksonville on the map. They say no one in the world has ever accomplished what Bob Hayes — known as “Bullet” Bob — did: becoming the only athlete to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl.
Now, Hayes’ legacy continues to be enshrined right in the school community he once called home. The track and field where he played football and ran decades ago has been officially named the “Bob Hayes Track and Field,” with a special sign unveiled during a dedication ceremony this week.
A highly recruited athlete, Hayes accepted a football scholarship to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Historically Black College and University, where he also excelled in track and field. In addition to his professional NFL career, Hayes competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he won two gold medals and earned his iconic nickname, “Bullet Bob.”
On Tuesday, friends and loved ones, former classmates, school and community leaders, faith partners, members of the Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet, and the Matthew Gilbert school community all joined in the celebration of his legacy.
This dedication would not have been possible without the support of those closest to Hayes, including his loved ones, members of the Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet, former and current City Council members, and school board leaders.
