Homegrown Heroes: Jager Burton, Trent Noah, and Jerod Smith Deliver Tornado Relief Supplies

Homegrown Heroes: Jager Burton, Trent Noah, and Jerod Smith Deliver Tornado Relief Supplies to Southern Kentucky 💙🌪️

In a moment that transcends sports, three proud Kentucky Wildcats stepped up to bring help and hope to their fellow Kentuckians following the devastating tornadoes that tore through Southern Kentucky earlier this month.

Offensive lineman Jager Burton, freshman sharpshooter Trent Noah, and defensive standout Jerod Smith all proud sons of the Bluegrass State traveled to the hardest-hit areas in Laurel and Pulaski Counties on a mission of compassion and service. Accompanied by staff from UK Athletics, the trio personally delivered truckloads of tornado relief supplies collected last week in a university-wide effort.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the WLEX18 people and teammates in other sports,” Burton said as he helped unload the last box. “I’m really proud of what we did. I hope you are too. I’m just grateful for everyone who helped and made sure this got to the people who need it.”

A Powerful Storm Meets a Powerful Response 💪

The scale of destruction left behind by the EF-4 tornado is nearly unimaginable. Stretching nearly a mile wide, the storm carved a 55-mile path through Southern Kentucky with winds peaking at 170 mph. Nineteen lives were lost, thousands were displaced, and more than 5,000 homes were affected—many completely flattened.

But out of that devastation came unity and strength. Over two days, Big Blue Nation filled an entire Kentucky Football equipment truck with essentials cleaning supplies, rakes, shovels, gloves, flashlights, paper products, and more. What began as a modest drive quickly snowballed into a monumental outpouring of generosity from fans, teammates, and community members alike.

Burton, Noah, and Smith didn’t just deliver supplies they delivered hope. After unloading donations, they spent time walking through the wreckage, signing autographs, offering words of encouragement, and witnessing the resilience of Kentuckians firsthand.

“This Is Bigger Than Sports.” 🏈🏀💙

For Burton and his teammates, this effort wasn’t about headlines. It was about heart.

“We wanted to show up for [the community] for something that’s bigger than sports, which is this helping with tornado relief,” Burton told BBN Tonight. “I thought we’d fill up the small truck with water… but with the help of people around Kentucky and Lexington, we made a huge difference.”

That difference speaks volumes about the spirit of the Commonwealth and the character of those who represent it on the field.

How You Can Help 🙏

While the delivery brought some much-needed supplies and joy to those affected, the road to recovery is long. Thousands remain in need, and ongoing support will be crucial in the coming weeks and months.

If you’d like to join the effort and show your support, consider making a donation to the

This moment reminds us that the bond between Big Blue Nation and the people of Kentucky runs deeper than basketball or football—it’s rooted in shared values, strength in adversity, and always showing up for one another when it matters most.