About AIRO
AIRO—from the Greek word meaning “to lift up and elevate”—is more than a camp. It's a transformative experience that shapes athletes into the leaders their teams and communities need.
“He lifts up (airo) every branch in me that bears no fruit.”
John 15:2
Our Mission
To impact the most influential athlete on each team for the cause of Christ.
Our Vision
To reach athletes across the country through day and weekend camps, AIRO Connect events, the AIRO app, and ongoing discipleship.
How AIRO Began
AIRO originated ten years ago as a weekend QB camp when our directors desired to gather a select group of the most influential athletes on their individual teams for a weekend of elite on-field instruction, Biblical training, and unique life experiences.
This QB camp quickly grew from local high school players in the Birmingham, Alabama, area to what has become a mix of local high school quarterbacks, elite highly-ranked quarterbacks from around the United States, and college/NFL quarterbacks.
What Does AIRO Look Like?
“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
John 15:5
AIRO camps are just the beginning. Our hope and prayer is that AIRO becomes a network of discipleship amongst influential athletes at all levels.
We plan to foster discipleship practically through continued contact (meeting them where they are), encouragement, Bible studies, and support.
We pray these athletes produce ripples in their locker rooms, communities, homes, and in the lives of everyone they come in contact with—all for the glory of God.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do at AIRO.
Faith in Christ
Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do. We believe true leadership flows from a relationship with Him.
Character First
We believe who you are matters more than what you do. Character is the foundation of lasting impact.
Community
Iron sharpens iron. We're building a community of leaders who encourage and challenge each other.
Excellence
In all things, we pursue excellence. Not perfection, but the continuous pursuit of our best.
Our Team
Founders and Board of Directors
Bo Nix
NFL quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Heisman Trophy finalist and NCAA completion percentage record-holder at Oregon, graduate of Auburn where he was a three-year starter and SEC Freshman of the Year.
Patrick Nix
Three-time state champion high school head football coach, thirty-year college and high school coaching veteran, graduate of Auburn where he played quarterback from 1991-1995.
Bill Gray
Former Greater Birmingham FCA Multi-Area Director, former NCAA Division I head coach with 17 years of collegiate coaching experience, graduate of Mississippi College where he played wide receiver from 1979-1984.
Caleb Nix
First-team all-conference defensive back at Jacksonville State, graduate of Clemson with All-ACC Academic honors, all-state quarterback at 7A Central High School.
Russ Gurley
Owner of forensic consulting company, Licensed Professional Counselor, Auburn University graduate, master's degree from UAB.
Austin Gray
High school offensive coordinator, played quarterback and defensive back at Mississippi College, nine years of coaching experience producing numerous NFL and collegiate athletes.
Payton Gray
District director of healthcare company, master's degrees from Mississippi College and UAB, played quarterback and wide receiver at Mississippi College.
Partner With AIRO
AIRO is prayerfully seeking like-minded individuals and organizations to come alongside us and support the AIRO mission, whether it be through a recurring gift, camper/camp/event sponsorship, venue sponsorship, or all the above.
AIRO is a 501(c)(3), allowing for tax-deductible donations.
AIRO weekend camps are free of charge to all participants—in a world where so many people want to take and use influential athletes, we want to be a resource that pours into them, asking for nothing in return, and pointing them to Jesus.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Apply now and take the first step toward becoming the leader you're meant to be.