A former gymnast turned college football standout, veteran Auburn offensive lineman Nick Brahms began his football career a little later than most.
It wasn't until Brahms attended an intermediate school practice with a friend that football became a possibility for him.
Coach Tony Carter approached Brahms and encouraged him to try out for his team.
"I was a little hesitant at first," Brahms remembered, "but he motivated me and he saw the potential in me that I didn't know I had."
Brahms experienced some success on the field as a middle schooler but really came to understand his talent for the game as a high school freshman. After playing in only one junior varsity game, his coaches decided that Brahms was ready for the varsity.
"I knew that they weren't bringing me up for no reason," Brahms said. "At that point, I realized that I could take this seriously and try to get a scholarship."
During his junior year at Navarre High School near Pensacola, Florida, Brahms received an offer from Auburn University.
"When I came on a visit here, it all just felt like family," said Brahms, who planned to major in professional flight management. "It felt like the right place for me. The flight school here was a big plus, and it doesn't get better than SEC football."
In the classroom, Brahms has quite literally taken flight as a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll and two-time Athletic Director Honor Roll member.
He is a 2020 graduate of Auburn's aviation program and is currently working on attaining his certified flight instructor certificate as well as his master's in business administration, all steps toward his long-term goal of being an international captain for Delta Air Lines.
One of Brahms' favorite memories from Auburn will always be his first solo flight as a pilot when he flew to Montgomery in September, 2018, saying, "That was a big moment in my college career."
"I've also flown to Pensacola a couple of times, which is where I'm from," he said about completing his cross-country aviation requirements for class and certification, requiring flights of more than 50 nautical miles. "When I would fly there and to Destin, I would be able to grab lunch with my parents, so that was nice."
Of course, he has plenty of football memories to look back on and smile about as well. One that always comes to mind is the aftermath of the 2019 Iron Bowl.
"I remember seeing all of the fans down on the field and then I saw Bo (Nix)," Brahms said. "I just ran over to him and hugged him. It was such a good moment and I'm glad to have a picture of that."
Brahms has had to fight through his fair share of injuries and obstacles in his career, but like a true Auburn man, he exemplifies "a spirit that is not afraid," as he always manages to come back stronger each time.
It is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has been one of these major obstacles and an obstacle to college athletics in general. Brahms admits that it took a mental toll on him, however, it only added to his fire and determination.
"It was different having limited fans last season, but having a bigger crowd for A-Day was awesome. I love when the fans are in the stadium. I can't wait for fall and the best atmosphere in college football at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"My favorite aspect of Auburn football is probably running out of the tunnel on game days with the packed crowd in the stands, especially during the big games," said Brahms. "That's an awesome feeling that we all have missed."
Fifth-year senior Nick Brahms
Brahms is hoping to be able to participate in Tiger Walk in this, his final year, as well as have the opportunity to enjoy a packed Jordan-Hare Stadium with the best fans in the country come football season.
Turning toward his final season on the Plains, Brahms has high expectations for himself and his teammates with help from their new coaching staff. "They all have done a great job with the transition, selling the new offense, and building relationships with the players," Brahms said. "Coach (Will) Friend is one of the best that have been through Auburn since I've been here. He brings energy every day and it's fun to play for him."
The 2021 team has its sights set on an SEC championship but doesn't plan on stopping there. Brahms feels ready to be a leader and his goal is to set the tone for his team.
"We have a standard on the team and everybody strives to meet that standard," he said. "Coach Harsin always talks about how it pays to be a winner and so I try to compete and work hard in everything that we do. Upholding the standard for the team and trying to go above and beyond – that is my goal."
After he departs from Auburn, Brahms wants his grit and consistency to be something that everyone remembers. He wants to lend a helping hand to not only future Tigers but to any young men who want to play college football while getting a college education.
His message to those who have dreams of making it to the next level: "Focus on your academics and work hard in everything that you do. Focus on bettering yourself and bettering your team. If you take care of your business, the right opportunities will come to you."
As for his opportunities, Brahms is eternally grateful for all that he has been given during his time at Auburn. He is excited about becoming a member of a prestigious group of Auburn alumni in football and aviation and looks forward to coming back in the near future as time off from either of those career fields permits.
Brahms would like to thank his parents, Brigitte and Keith, his sister, Olivia, his girlfriend, Autumn, his current and former coaches, as well as the Auburn family for everything they have done for him to lead him to this point in his life.
"I love Auburn and I'm so grateful to be a part of this family," he said. "These past four years have been the best four years of my life. Auburn means the world to me. All the best and I can't wait for this last season. War Eagle!"
Tucker Cleverdon is a student worker in Auburn Athletics communications