The New Deal: Auburn captain's last home game will be son's first

For Luke and Ansley Deal, naming their son after Luke’s father was an easy decision.

“We had some other boy names but none of them came close to Christopher,” Ansley said.

Christopher James Deal, born Aug. 14, bears the name of Luke’s dad, Chris Deal, who died In June 2022 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, two months after Luke and Ansley’s wedding. 

“My dad impacted the lives of so many people,” Luke said. “That’s something our son can carry through his life. Being able to carry that name with Baby CJ is very special to me and hopefully it’ll impact a lot of people as well.”

“Luke’s dad was the best father-in-law I could ask for,” Ansley said. “He lived a life that was full of God, grace, forgiveness and every good word you can think of.” 

In Luke’s hometown of Greenwood, South Carolina, the Deals’ home was the gathering place for Luke and his teammates. 

“A great man, great coach, great father,” Luke said. “After my dad passed, the biggest thing I wanted to say was that I wanted to one day impact people the way he did. 

“ALS is such a tough and brutal disease. It’s an awful thing, but that’s not the way we remember my dad.

“We remember the big, burly, strong, deep-and-loud-voiced guy who everybody loved, and who cared about other people.”

Elected a team captain for the second consecutive year, Luke’s sixth season on the Plains feels different than the previous five. 

“I’ve got somebody else at home to take care of,” said Luke, a two-time Auburn University graduate with a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s from the College of Education. “I’ve got such a great team around me, my wife at home does such a great job. My teammates have been really understanding, helpful and supportive.”

CJ’s arrival gave Luke an extra measure of appreciation for Ansley.

“How strong she is,” he said. “Seeing her birth and nurture our son is something that’s special and sacred to my family.”

Before CJ joined the Deal family two weeks before the first game of the 2024 season, Luke learned from other fathers in Auburn’s football program, including his position coach, Ben Aigamaua, and defensive lineman Philip Blidi. 

“Phillip is a great dad,” Luke said. “I’ve joined that club now. Seeing how they treat their kids, and how they carry themselves.

“I’m no longer living just to be Luke Deal. I’m living to be an example to my son. That’s something I take very seriously.”

While Luke juggles football and fatherhood, Ansley adjusts to being the mother of a newborn.

“We’re definitely getting into the groove of things,” she said. “It’s an adjustment but we’re loving every second of it.”

Chris Deal passed away four months after his 50th birthday. When his father’s absence begins to overwhelm Luke, he expresses gratitude for having had his dad’s presence. 

“I’ve got a lot of teammates who don’t have that figure in their life and didn’t have that strong role model in their household,” Luke said. 

When CJ asks about his paternal grandfather, Luke and Ansley will be ready.

“I had a great relationship with my dad,” Luke said. “I’ll talk about who he was to me as a father, a respected figure and one of my best friends.”

“He was a rock for our family,” Ansley said. “Unwavering in his faith.”

“CJ had a grandfather who was such a great example, such a great role model and father for me,” Luke said. 

The Deals are planting roots in Auburn, Ansley’s hometown.

“We love Auburn,” Luke said. “We’re very excited to bring our boy up in this environment.”

For six seasons, Luke Deal has delivered dependability and leadership to Auburn’s football program, qualities the tight end also provides for his family. 

“He’s been my rock,” says Ansley, “like his dad was his rock. He’s been so supportive, even in the busiest time of the year. It’s truly amazing how he can juggle everything. He’s really stepping up.”

With a tiny No. 86 jersey waiting in his nursery, Christopher James Deal will make his Tiger Walk debut when Auburn hosts Texas A&M Saturday night. Luke’s last game at Jordan-Hare Stadium will be CJ’s first.

“Thankful that God has blessed our family,” he said. “We’re super excited to see him grow up. It’s like he’s growing up before your eyes every second. It’s a special time right now.”