Auburn University is more than just an institution where a student can earn a degree; it’s a place that shapes lives, builds relationships, and kindles a spirit that stays with you forever.
My love for Auburn runs deep because of my personal experiences both on and off the field, because of Auburn’s long held traditions, and because of the strong influences that surrounded me: coaches who mentored, teammates who inspired, and friends who helped me become who I am today. These are the relationships that I continue to “lean on” and treasure.
As a former student-athlete who played football and now a devoted alumnus, I have been influenced by Auburn University in truly incredible ways.
But I wasn’t always an Auburn man.
Growing up in Birmingham, Ala., and pulling for the Tide and Coach “Bear” Bryant as a youth, it may seem ironic that I would wind up at Auburn. My journey to Auburn began with my college football recruitment and my introduction to coach Pat Dye! A visit to the “Loveliest Village on the Plains” was all I needed to understand the excitement and energy brought about by Coach Dye. His leadership and vision for the football program drew me to AU with the promise of being part of something bigger than myself. Little did I know that this decision would lead to some of the most impactful and memorable moments of my life.
The campus environment at Auburn is something a person must see to truly appreciate! Toomer’s Corner and Jordan-Hare Stadium aren’t just places—they are symbols of the Auburn spirit. Toomer’s Corner, with its tradition of rolling the trees after a victory, represents one of the most unique celebrations in college football and illustrates the joy and pride of the Auburn family. Jordan-Hare Stadium, surrounding Pat Dye Field, is a place where the intensity of Auburn’s love for football is on full display. The atmosphere on game day is electric! The eagle’s flight around the stadium before the game ignites the passion of the AU fans. Some of the greatest game day traditions in college football include the Tiger Walk, rolling Toomer’s Corner, and the eagle’s pre-game flight.
These traditions are not just rituals; they are moments that bring the Auburn community together, reinforcing the sense of belonging and pride that defines what it means to be an Auburn Tiger.
Football has been central to my Auburn experience, and I have countless memories from my time on the field. The greatest of these was calling the coin toss at the Iron Bowl during my senior year at Legion Field. Growing up in Birmingham as an Alabama fan, and then standing on the 50-yard line at Legion Feld, representing my Auburn teammates, coaches, and the entire Auburn family in one of the most intense rivalries in college football, was an honor and a moment that I will never forget.
Beyond the games and the traditions, what truly makes Auburn special are the people. The friendships I formed during my time at Auburn are some of the most meaningful relationships in my life. My best friends were all made during those foundational years at Auburn. These relationships, cultivated in the atmosphere and experiences Auburn has to offer, form the love for Auburn University and “The Auburn Family.” They have lasted long after graduation and have shaped who I am today!
Auburn is where I met my wife, Katy. All three of our children, Ben, Anna and Julia, have attended Auburn University and continue the family tradition. Auburn isn’t just a place we went to school; it’s a part of our family’s identity, a cord that binds us together.
Looking back, it’s clear that Auburn has been more than just a chapter in my life—it’s been the foundation. The lessons learned, the values instilled, and the memories made at Auburn have all played a crucial role in shaping the person I am today.
In the end, my love for Auburn University is not just about the experiences I had there, it’s about the lasting impact those experiences have had on my life. Auburn made me who I am, and for that, I will always be grateful. Auburn gave me more than just an education; it gave me a sense of identity, a family, and a legacy!
War Eagle
Tambo
Photos by Al Blanton and Courtesy Auburn Athletics
