TJ Finley addresses Nick Brahms being done with football, explains close relationship

Sixth-year offensive lineman Nick Brahms has been unwillingly forced from football thanks to a career that has been plagued with injury since stepping foot on Auburn‘s campus in 2017.

Following practice Monday afternoon, newly named QB1 TJ Finley addressed not being able to suit up next to Brahms’ at Auburn ever again.

“I think it hurts him to death,” Finley said. “I actually talked to him after the Houston game and my family and his family had breakfast at Broken Egg, and I was begging him to come back because he was contemplating going to the NFL and I just begged him to come back. So for him to come back and then not be able to play, I know it crushes him.

“I don’t like to bring it up with him just because I know how hard it hurts. But, you know, I was one of the first persons he came to, to let know the news and I appreciate that so much out of him because, like I said, I was begging him to come back and protect me up front. But he made the best decision that he had to make for him and his family, his future and all I can do is respect it.”

The news came out Monday afternoon, and essentially ends Brahms’ college career. Brahm used his redshirt season in 2017, played 2018-2021, and then planned to use the COVID-19 blanket waiver allowing one extra year of eligibility in 2022. Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin said Brahms will remain on the team where he will remain in attendance for practices and games, and acting like as a player-coach this season.

Without Brahms, junior Tate Johnson is expected to start at center, according to Auburn Live’s Justin Hokanson. Johnson’s presumed starting nod comes just in time for the start of the 2022 regular season where the Tigers are set to battle Mercy.