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Auburn RB Brian Battie travels to Iron Bowl game after visiting teammates

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Auburn RB Brian Battie
© John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn running back Brian Battie is in attendance for Saturday’s Iron Bowl against Alabama. He is recovering from injuries sustained in a shooting over the summer, but surprised his teammates after practice and traveled to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the rivalry matchup.

Battie suffered a brain injury during a shooting in his home state of Florida in May and has been recovering ever since. He was able to leave the hospital in late August to continue his recovery at home, and he surprised his teammates at practice ahead of this week’s regular-season finale against Alabama.

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After Battie left the hospital, Hugh Freeze made an in-person visit to Florida to see him. Now, the running back is on the sidelines to cheer on his teammates in one of the biggest games of the season.

As practice wrapped up this week, Freeze broke the huddle by telling the Tigers how proud he was. He also wanted them to keep in mind why they need to go battle against Alabama in the in-state rivalry, including for those who can’t suit up. As he said that, he looked toward the door as Battie walked in.

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“Listen, man, I’m really proud of you,” Freeze said. “I can’t wait to see you go fight Saturday. Fight for each other, fight for our university, our football program, fight for all those that don’t have the ability to play here and love Auburn. Man, we’ve got a special guest for us, I think.”

Battie then hugged his teammates and caught up for the first time since the shooting. He got to break down the huddle and had a special message.

“I’m just so happy to see y’all, boys,” Battie said, hugging each of the players after walking into the facility. “I love y’all boys.”

Brian Battie was one of four people injured in a shooting which also took the life of his brother, Tommie Battie IV. The initial fear was he suffered paralysis due to his injuries, but a June update from the family indicated he was coming along well and could be able to walk again. That became a reality in August.