Iron Bowl Legends Unite: It was a star-studded evening in downtown Mobile at the 7th Annual Iron Bowl Legends Benefit Gala, hosted by the Palmer Williams Group. With the highly anticipated Iron Bowl just around the corner, players from both Auburn and Alabama united to raise funds for athletic youth camps and life skills programs.
Former players from the Plains and T-Town set aside their rivalry to give back to their hometown heroes. Willie Anderson, a former Auburn University and NFL player, emphasized the importance of returning to support the next generation of kids.
“When you have former guys like that from these two schools, Auburn, Alabama, or whoever it may be, to be back shows the next generation of kids once you make it, don’t just leave and never come back, but come back and help out and give back to the community that helped you out a lot.”
Roosevelt Patterson Jr., another former player, expressed the joy of coming together with fellow athletes to reminisce about the old days.
“It’s always good to come back and come to fellowship with the guys that played at Auburn, that played at Alabama, and get to talk about the old days. It’s a great feeling and truly a blessing.”
The event featured a silent auction with fan favorites like autographed posters, jerseys, helmets, and footballs. The funds raised will contribute to youth baseball, basketball, football, and soccer teams.
While the evening centered around charity, friendly banter about the upcoming game couldn’t be avoided.
“We’ll just see what happens at the end of the game,” said Anderson. “Hopefully, we can keep it close and have a miracle happen at the end of the game, which usually happens in the Iron Bowl. War eagle!”
Last year’s event raised $35,000, and organizers aimed to surpass that figure this year.
“It’s always good to come together and talk noise, that 365 days a year to get to talk,” Patterson Jr. added. “Roll tide!”
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