In the face of unimaginable devastation, Big Blue Nation once again proved why it’s more than just a fanbase — it’s a family. After an EF-4 tornado tore through parts of Kentucky, leaving 19 people dead and thousands more without homes, BBN and UK Athletics rallied to make a difference.
UK football’s Jager Burton and basketball’s Trent Noah led a powerful tornado relief drive at Kroger Field in Lexington on May 23-24. What began with an empty equipment truck — typically used to haul football gear — ended with a trailer bursting at the seams with essential supplies bound for the hard-hit communities of Laurel and Pulaski Counties.
Fans and supporters showed up in force, donating everything from cleaning supplies and bottled water to flashlights, rakes, paper goods, and lanterns. What started as an idea to fill a small vehicle quickly escalated, thanks to overwhelming generosity, into a full-scale operation involving a UK football trailer and additional transport.
“I’m super grateful,” Burton told BBN Tonight. “We thought we’d be lucky to fill a small truck, but the outpouring of support exceeded all expectations. It shows just how strong our fanbase is — through wins, losses, and now, disaster recovery.”
UK Athletics partnered with BBN Tonight, LEX18, and various local organizations to coordinate the donations and ensure swift delivery to tornado-stricken areas. The EF-4 tornado, nearly one mile wide, remained on the ground for 55 miles with wind speeds up to 170 mph, wreaking havoc on thousands of homes and leaving many families in crisis.
Coaches, players, and student-athletes from multiple sports also participated, showing unity in action. Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope and standout guard Reed Sheppard even joined in cleanup efforts last weekend. “There’s so much work to be done,” Pope said. “But this is Kentucky. We take care of our neighbors.”
The drive was not just about supplies — it was a symbol of solidarity. BBN reminded the world that in Kentucky, when disaster strikes, the community strikes back with compassion and resolve.
From the Blue Lot to the backroads of Somerset and London, hope was loaded one box at a time.
Well done, BBN.
