Hartselle freshman receives one-of-a-kind gift

Logan Dotson breathes, eats and sleeps sports – specifically, Auburn University sports. When he got Tiger quarterback Bo Nix’s autograph this past October, it was a dream come true.

Dotson recently received a second gift from another Bo. After seeing Dotson’s inspirational story in local media in the fall, Bo Jackson, the multi-sport Auburn legend and Heisman Trophy winner, wanted to show his support for the Hartselle High School freshman. Jackson, by way of an anonymous relative and community member, sent Dotson a signed football and framed photo – straight from Jackson’s personal memorabilia room.

Dotson, who has a mild form of cerebral palsy, said he was shocked at the gift from his all-time favorite athlete. Wearing an Auburn shirt, Dotson, with slight tremors, unwrapped his gift in the lobby of Hartselle High School.

“Well I’m wide awake now – I was half asleep,” he said.

“Do you know what you have there?” his teacher asked him.

“Yeah, I’ve got Bo Jackson – and all I can say is ‘thank you,’” said Dotson. “To whoever reached out and made this happen: Thank you, really. I don’t know what to say … This is amazing.”

While his disease prevents him from playing the game he loves, Dotson is the football manager for the Hartselle Tigers and aspires to go into education so he can one day become a coach.

Dotson said the tradition and passion of the Auburn family is what he loves most. It’s a family affair for Dotson and his father, Shane. “My dad is a big Auburn fan, too,” he said. “I’m a stats junkie. Half the time I annoy my family telling them all about Auburn football.”

His mother, Tammy, said Dotson chose SportsCenter over Saturday morning cartoons as a child. “He’ll have his last orthodontist visit soon, and he’s not had any other colors (on his braces) but orange and blue the entire time,” she said.

“I got some money for Christmas, and I’ve been looking at Bo (Jackson) jerseys to put up in my room,” Dotson added.

The signed football and photo are also destined for a place of honor in Dotson’s room – which is painted, of course, in orange and blue.

Dotson said he’s always been a huge fan of Bo Jackson. “In my opinion, he’s the greatest athlete to ever go to Auburn,” he said. “If I could talk to Bo, I would just say thank you. I’ve heard a lot of his story, and he inspires me to keep on going. He reminds me that no matter what situation I’m in, I can work through it and overcome it.

“That’s what I try to live by.”