ThrowBack Thursday! Well, kind of a throwback but also a tribute.
This one is a little personal for me and will be for just about anyone who is an Auburn University alumni or sports fan.
The “Voice of Auburn”, Rod Bramblett, and his wife Paula were killed in a car accident this past Saturday night in Alabama. Rod was the voice of Auburn sports (football, men’s basketball and baseball). If you’re an Auburn fan you’d know his voice anywhere.
And if you’re like me, one of your favorite Rod moments was the Iron Bowl 2013 — the infamous “Kick Six”. It was the final play of the 78th Iron Bowl (the big rivalry game between Auburn and the University of Alabama). The game was played at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Alabama was ranked #1 and was a 10-point favorite over the #4 ranked Auburn. The game was a nail-biter. For me personally, I was pacing the floor like a predatory tiger the entire game.
The game was tied at 28-28 with ONE second left in the 4th quarter. ONE second! Bama lined up for a 57 yard field goal. The game was either going to end there with a game-saving field goal or would go into overtime.
And I couldn’t even bear to watch. I didn’t see the real-time action. But I heard the Voice of Auburn loud and clear.
The kick was short. Auburn’s Chris Davis caught the ball in the end zone. Instead of kneeling to send the game into overtime, Chris ran. He ran across the entire field all the way to the opposite end zone and scored the winning touchdown. A 109 yard return! Game over 34-28. Auburn Wins the Iron Bowl!
Some would label it the single greatest moment in college football history. I know I sure do.
But it was Rod’s voice that still resonates in my head when I think of that game, that play. Rod’s excitement. His love for Auburn clear and true shone through.
His words will forever be remembered.
Click the link below and listen for yourselves.
Rest in Peace Rod and Paula! And thank you for the many wonderful memories.
War Eagle!
