Earlier this week, the Auburn football team and fans were given heartbreaking news about one of the Tigers’ most hardworking and longtime starters. Senior center Nick Brahms, who would be heading into his sixth season of football with the Tigers, will be stepping away from the game ahead of the 2022 season.
For the past few years, Brahms has battled multiple injuries, and had surgery during the offseason to prepare for his 2022 return. However, after re-injuring his knee during fall camp, the four-year starting center had to make the tough decision to medically retire from football.
Since making his decision public, Brahms has received an endless amount of thanks and respect for his contributions to Auburn football, from fans, coaches, and teammates, alike:
Best journey of my life! #WDE pic.twitter.com/OLf9CrgPqZ
— Nick Brahms (@Nick_Brahms) August 30, 2022
Though he has been unable to play, Brahms has carried on his leadership role for the team, helping bring along Tate Johnson, who will be the Tigers’ new starting center. Head coach Bryan Harsin praised Brahms for his continued hard work, and said that Brahms will remain around the team in a sort of player-coach role, per Auburn Rivals:
"“Nick has been at every practice. He has helped our players out. He has helped the O-line out. He will continue to keep doing that. So very proud of him, just for his efforts. One thing I told him: Football ends. It always does. It’s just usually not on our timeline that we want. His future is bright, and he’s going to help this football team, and we’re looking forward to that.”"
While remaining involved with Auburn football, Brahms will stay on the Plains and continue with his post-graduate schooling to prepare for his career with Delta Airlines, and his eventual plans to become a professional pilot.