Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is “Bo-dacious.” That’s how fans view the Heisman hopeful and undercover sneakerhead who prefers his shoe game to be just like those billboards: all white, crisp, and clean.
Nix is in his second season with the Oregon Ducks after transferring from Auburn, where he was the 2019 SEC Freshman of the Year. Under his leadership, the Ducks are now a Pac-12 team rising to the top of the college football polls. On Saturday, they look to continue their fantastic start and dominance against Colorado, the most hyped team in college football right now.
Nix has also been cooking up things off the field. He’s been in the lab with 7-Eleven and The Shoe Surgeon, creating custom cleats that will be auctioned off to fans. All proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network member hospital PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon.
“When this opportunity was presented, my eyes lit up,” Nix told For The Win. “I was very excited and thrilled to use something as simple as a pair of cleats for something so special.”
Ahead of No. 10 Oregon’s Week 4 matchup against No. 19 Colorado (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC), For The Win spoke with Nix about the Cleat Crew program, what has Oregon playing at such a high level and why he wants Matthew McConaughey to play him in a movie.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What is the Cleat Crew Program, and why is it important to you?
The program is all about using our gifts and platform to come together and do something for the greater good, far beyond football and sports in general. It’s very special that I was chosen and picked to participate in such a special campaign. It’s an honor for me to give back. I know where I’m at today — I’ve had to count on so many other people. It’s always great to give back and be in this situation.
You designed your own pair of cleats for this partnership. Walk us through your thought process for your design. What were the must-have elements?
It was a blast. I have always loved shoes. With the Shoe Surgeon, I’ve known their work, the special things they can do and the collaborations they can get done with a simple pair of cleats.
We sat down and started discussing what was important, what we wanted to show and what we wanted the overall message to be about. I wanted it to be about the kids and the champions from the hospital. It was one of the most important things — how can I use the children? How can I get their name or something involved with my cleat? How can I make it bigger than just myself creating a cool shoe?
Also, my faith is very important to me, and one of the things I wanted to center back on was praying hands. We deal with many things and situations in life, and sometimes, all you can do is get on your knees and pray.
Let’s talk Oregon football. The team has had some huge wins in the last several weeks, including a win over Texas Tech that earned you Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week. What is the secret sauce that has Oregon playing at such a high level?
We’re such a powerful team when we’re together and connected. We’re nothing without each other. None of us can do it alone.
The secret to any great team or organization is how connected they are, how much of a unit they are and how much they share. You may come from a million different backgrounds and places, liking different things, but I think when you come together for a common goal and create a team, that makes people special.
We know lots of players have game-day rituals and a game-day playlist. What does yours look like, and who is on your playlist?
I like to do the consistent things. I like to have my structure. I think that truly does help once you get onto the field.
Honestly, the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve gone away from music on game days. Sometimes, when I’m on the bus or have time to listen to music, I’ve gotten to where it’s straight worship music. I feel like that does the best job of putting into perspective what I have, what I can go out and do and the peace I can play with. I’m out there just for an audience of one. I’ve got a few from Hillsong and Bethel and solo artists who have done some good pieces. I love words and what is being said throughout those songs because it’s like an ongoing prayer, praising [God] for my life and what I can go out and do.
In a movie about your life, what is the name of the movie? What actor would you pick to play you?
The name of the movie would be Fierce Competitor. I would probably have somebody like Matthew McConaughey, [who] does cool movies, or Bradley Cooper. Those guys are intense, have a good time and are well-known. Maybe one day I’m lucky enough to have a movie. I don’t know because that’s a lot of work and people know about you. Hopefully, you live a life worth people knowing about.
