AUBURN, Ala. – More than 200 former Auburn football players, from the 1950s to the 2020s, returned to the Plains Saturday to reconnect and reminisce on alumni day, hoping to rekindle a revival of SEC prominence at their alma mater.
“Auburn was built on the tradition of elite football players with toughness and we’re trying to get as many back around as much as possible,” said director of high school & alumni relations Jeris McIntrye, who played for Auburn from 2000-03. “Just like our sellouts in Jordan-Hare, Auburn is the best football in the world to me. Seeing my old roommates, guys who played before and after me, it’s a blessing to have them here for this.”
During lunch after practice, associate head coach Kodi Burns spoke to his fellow Auburn football lettermen before introducing head coach Alex Golesh.
“Everybody here helped build this place,” Burns said in the indoor facility at the Woltosz Center. “I ask everybody to come back as much as possible and help our young men grow and know what it means to be an Auburn man.”
Since his introduction last December, Golesh has prioritized Auburn’s lettermen, hiring McIntrye to strengthen the connection between current and former players.
“The thing we’ve tried to do more than anything else is bring a level of toughness, a level of accountability and integrity back to what this is,” Golesh told the alumni. “These guys are learning and growing.
“We’re going to scrap and we’re going to fight. That’s the one thing I can promise you. We’re going to build this thing back. I’m super grateful you guys are here. It means the world to our players; it means the world to our staff that you care as much as you do.”
After practice, Golesh’s first Auburn team gathered for a picture with those who came before, separated by decades but united by their shared experience.
“We’re going to take what you guys have built, stand on your shoulders and build this thing back to where it belongs,” Golesh said.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
COREY GRANT (RUNNING BACK, 2013-14):
“It’s a great experience. It means a lot to you as a player. When I was here, when guys did come back it meant a lot to you, being on the practice field, seeing them on the sideline watching, and trying to carry on that torch for them. I’ve been watching the running backs, they’re working their tails off. You can tell they’re a special group of guys. When they come together and really play ball, it’s going to be fun to watch.”
REGGIE TORBOR (DEFENSIVE LINE, 2000-03):
“It puts a smile on my face. There is something special here, the connection all these guys have. Jeris was my roommate for four years, I’m proud of him. I like the foundation that’s being set, the hard work, and the things that I know ultimately are how you win.”
STEVE WALLACE (OFFENSIVE LINE: 1982-85):
“We’re coming back. Auburn will be heard about this year in the SEC. I’m feeling very positive and Jeris has done a wonderful job. Everybody’s supportive and everybody’s pulling for that group of guys out there on the field. I like Coach Golesh’s temperament, he reminds me of Coach Dye a little bit.”
LISTON EDDINS (DEFENSIVE LINE: 1973-75):
“It says great things about Auburn and the Auburn spirit. We’re very encouraged and looking forward to the start of the season. It’s a very positive thing for Auburn, for Coach Golesh especially. I think there’s something special in this guy, his determination and details. He understands what this is all about and that’s why I think so many former players turned out today.”
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer