Head coach Bryan Harsin confirmed what many of Tiger Nation feared on Monday: Nick Brahms’ football career is over. A sixth year veteran, Brahms has been a mainstay at the pivot of Auburn’s offensive line. Sadly persistent injuries have plagued the center the last two seasons. And after two knee operations this offseason, Brahms confirmed his retirement in an emotional tweet:
Best journey of my life! #WDE pic.twitter.com/OLf9CrgPqZ
— Nick Brahms (@Nick_Brahms) August 30, 2022
Nick Brahms is as much a part of AU as Aubie the Tiger. Recruited by former o-line coach Herb Hand back in 2017, Brahms was a four-star prospect out of Navarre, Florida. He had a whopping THIRTY-FIVE scholarship offers, with Auburn beating out a host of powerhouse programs for his signature. After redshirting his first year on The Plains, Brahms began to contribute as a freshman in 2018. Halfway through the season he became the starter at center, and has never relinquished the role since.
Brahms has been recognised for his excellence both on and off the field as a Tiger. Firstly, he’s been named to the aforementioned Rimington Award watchlist for three straight years. Additionally, The Wuerffel Award has added him to their watchlist the past two seasons – given to the college football player “who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.” And he’s been named onto All-SEC teams by various outlets since he was a junior. To top it off, he’s been on the SEC Academic Roll of Honor every year he’s been a starter at Jordan-Hare.
There is no doubt that as a man, leader and a teammate, Nick Brahms will be missed.
“Football Ends. It Always Does”
Bryan Harsin and Nick Brahms share common values. Toughness, commitment, and honor. As a result, it was no surprise that the head coach had some special words reserved for Brahms in his press conference on Monday:
“Nick Brahms is officially done with football now. I think that’s been a few questions that have come up. He tried after last season. He had the injury going into the bowl game and then came back and is just not there physically to be able to go out there and play and to really to play at the level that he wants to play at. Nick has been at every practice. He has helped our players out. He has helped the offensive line, and he’ll continue to keep doing that. I am very proud of him just for his efforts, and 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, he’s going to help this football team, and we’re looking forward to that.”
Harsin alluded to Brahms’ having a role to play in coaching the offensive line, or at least offering advice and expertise. It wouldn’t be at all shocking to see Brahms at the sideline at some point in the future. But for now, it seems the former football stalwart will be focusing on his future as an airline pilot.
Nick Brahms is an accomplished, intelligent and dedicated student-athlete who bleeds orange and blue. He’s represented Auburn with distinction the past five years, and the whole of Tiger Nation thanks him for his service. WDE!
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