Q&A: Nick Brahms on player-coach role, impressed with Tate Johnson and more

AUBURN – Auburn center Nick Brahms spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since announcing his retirement from football.

Auburn Live actually spoke with Brahms on the Auburn Live Show the day he announced his decision.

Auburn Live also released a letter to the fans from Brahms on his decision.

Brahms spoke to the media in full as the Tigers prepare for San Jose State. The sixth-year senior is transitioning into a player-coach on the sidelines for the season, helping out his offensive line teammates during practices and games.

Funny anecdote, Brahms said a Mercer player shook his hand after the game and said, “good game, coach.” Brahms laughed about it saying he wasn’t surprised, “I was dressed like a coach, so. That was a little upsetting.”

In addition to that, Brahms is serving as a flight instructor for two students each week. Brahms’ immediate career trajectory is becoming a regional pilot before moving on to Delta within the next three years.

Here’s more from Brahms, starting with his decision to retire:

“It’s tough, especially game days. It’s just a different perspective, helping those guys any way I can. I’m there for the team and answering any questions they have. It took me a few weeks to come to that conclusion, but it wasn’t working. I talked to Coach (Kendall) Simmons about it and he helped put it in perspective for me. I talked to the coaches the next day.

“As someone who did play and knowing I could have been out there, it was tough to swallow. You feel like that for a second or two, and then you think about how hard the guys have worked, how hard the team has worked, and that perspective changes. I’m here to help these guys.

“Not being able to play effectively is what it came down to. Moving out of my stance — just not very effective. You know what it’s supposed to look like and it wasn’t that for me. I had to make that decision. I came back for a sixth year and I didn’t come back for no reason.”

More pressure, playing center or landing a plane?

“It depends on the weather. If it’s super windy, you can always go around. It’s not a one chance type of thing. It’s similar. There’s a lot of correlation with pressure.”

How’d new center Tate Johnson perform against Mercer?

“I thought Tate did really well for his first start. Tate’s going to be just fine. He’s a hard worker, takes pride in it, he’s going to be just fine. That’s my son. Me and Tate have a good relationship, I love that guy. He’s a great kid, does everything right.”

Benefits of having a game under his belt?

“I think it’s big for him. Playing Mercer, then San Jose State, then the big one is Penn State. Come next week, he’s going to be really confident going into that game.”

And how did Kameron Stutts perform in his first start?

“I think Kam did great. Both of those guys, Kam and K.J. are good players. Kam is one of the fastest players on the O-line. He’s got the talent, he’s got the brains, he’ll be fine, too.”

How has Nick Brahms’ support from his teammates been, and what’s Brahms’ role during games?

“It’s been great. They understood. They know I tried to push through it. That was my main goal. Those guys have rallied around me and helped me through a hard time. I answer questions they may have — just specific questions and seeing what I see on the big screen and relaying that information to them.”

What’s the potential of this O-line?

“I think the potential is through the roof. We have a new center, but the guys have improved since last year. It’s hard not to improve with how much we do in the offseason. Every week you’re going to see an improvement. There’s always room for improvement (in being physical).”

What’s next in Nick Brahms’ life after football?

“Right now, I’m a flight instructor at the Auburn airport. I have two students in the morning time. I’ll have more students in the spring time. I’m working to get 1,250 hours and then after that, I’ll get hired on by a regional airline. I’ll spend three years at a regional and then I’ll go to Delta after that. I’ve got that qualified job offer from Delta through the propel program here.”