Justin Blackmon hosting Bowl-A-Thon to benefit Oklahoma tornado victims

Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon has announced a Bowl-A-Thon in partnership with the American Red Cross that will benefit his home state of Oklahoma following a series of tornados that struck the state. On Thursday, June 6, Blackmon and his Jaguars teammates will host the event at Latitude 30 in Jacksonville from 6-10 p.m. where the receiver will present the American Red Cross with a $15,000 check.

Blackmon, 23, grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma, roughly 90 miles south of Moore. On May 20, a tornado struck Moore and killed 24 people while also causing a tremendous amount of damage to the city. After attending Plainview High School in Ardmore, Blackmon played collegiately at Oklahoma State University where he was the winner of the Biletnikoff Award in back-to-back years, recognizing the nation's top receiver.

In his rookie season in the NFL, Blackmon led all first-year players with 64 receptions for 865 receiving yards. In a November game against the Houston Texans, Blackmon recorded 236 yards receiving, the second-most in a game in franchise history.

Tickets for the event will cost $10 and include two hours of bowling and each participant is asked to donate $30 to the American Red Cross. The opportunity to bowl will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Signed Jaguars merchandise and gift baskets from Latitude 30 will also be given away in a raffle.