Brian Battie honored on Auburn's Senior Day in emotional moment

Brian Battie was set to be a difference maker on both offense and special teams for Auburn in 2024, following a season in which he returned 28 kickoffs for 645 yards.

He would never suit up in an Auburn uniform again after being involved in a shootout on May 18, 2024, in Sarasota. Battie's brother, Tommie, was fatally shot, while Brian was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He would spend three months there, many weeks fighting for his life, from injuries received during the shootout.

In an emotional moment on Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium before the matchup against Mercer, Battie was honored on Auburn's Senior Day, as he walked out of the tunnel and received a hug and football from interim head coach DJ Durkin.

"Pretty incredible.," Durkin said. "The reaction of the crowd says it all. The look on his face says it all. You tell these guys all the time -- it's a lesson in life. You never know; things change on a dime. Make the most of your opportunities and never take anything for granted. Have an attitude for gratitude. To see him walking and come out there and be able to do that on his own was really, really cool."