'War Eagle forever': Nick Brahms gives thanks for 'amazing' Auburn experience
AUBURN – The ending of a college football career is tough for any student-athlete. For Nick Brahms, it’s even tougher than usual.
Brahms, a Navarre, Fla. native, has been on Auburn’s campus for six years. Following a redshirt season and four full seasons of playing, Brahms chose to return for what would have been his sixth season this fall.
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He battled through injuries and surgeries to make it happen, then battled through more surgeries before fall camp and still practiced. In the end, the pain and difficulties were just too much. Brahms undoubtedly gave his all for the Tigers.
Head coach Bryan Harsin officially announced Brahms’ retirement from college football on Monday.
Brahms reached out to Auburn Live and wanted to post a simple letter to the Auburn fans, and we happily obliged.
Here’s Brahms in his own words:
For the past five and a half years, I have been an Auburn University Student Athlete and my experience has been nothing short of amazing. From winning big-time games and losing some heartbreaking ones, Auburn Football has shaped me into a man of which I am very proud. My experiences contain the lessons I will need to overcome any adversity that crosses my path in life.
When I first stepped on campus, I promised my family I would represent them, my hometown of Navarre, myself and the Auburn Tigers to the best of my ability. I am proud to be an Auburn man and I’m eternally grateful for the opportunities the university and football have afforded me.
I want to thank God, my family and my fiancée. They have poured their heart and soul into me, developing me, supporting me, loving me—always.
To my teammates throughout the years— you guys are truly my brothers and I cherish all the times we shared and know great days are ahead for you all!
Coach Malzahn, Coach Harsin, along with their respective staffs, thank you all for supporting me and developing me. I’ve had four Offensive Line Coaches at Auburn and every one of them has made a tremendous impact on me. I’m grateful I was led and mentored by great men.
Thanks to the trainers and doctors who have worked so hard to keep me as healthy as possible. I wouldn’t have excelled without your support and skill.
Lastly, to the fans who truly love Auburn and what it stands for, your support of our team means the world to the players and you cannot imagine how much you help us and motivate us! Thank you! The future of Auburn Football is bright, in no small part because of you!
I loved every second of every game day and the preparation it took to get there. Some of the greatest moments of my life have been on the field and I will always cherish them, but football has taken a toll on my body. I have endured through pain, injuries and surgeries to be out there on Saturdays and play the game we all love, but I’ve reached a point where my injuries impact my level of play. Although I love football, my body simply cannot absorb the damage anymore, so it’s time for me to hang up my cleats and enjoy the next chapter of my life. Unfortunately, I’ll have to accept that I’ll be shaving off my beard for good in the near future—this will be a sad day!
I will live in Auburn, continue to help Auburn Football and work towards my eventual career at Delta Air Lines. I love Auburn and always will love Auburn.
My childhood dream came true – I am an Auburn man. War Eagle forever.
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