re: Philip Lutzenkirchen car accident

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jalenharris9 I just want to say thank you for just teaching me a little more about life, being a man, and the great game of football. These past couple of months have just been a blessing, it's like God sent me an angel and now you can really watch over me. I will do everything in my ability to carry on your legacy on and off the field. Just thank you for everything from being my coach, mentor, and a brother to me. It's killing me right now knowing you're gone, but i will push through because I now that is what you would want. Thank you again coach, everything. You are the definition of a true 'Auburn Man'. There are not too many people like you in the world. You are my hero and I love you.

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Lutz was his coach and was present at his commitment to Auburn just 4 days ago

By Charles Goldberg
AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn coach Gus Malzahn remembers Philip Lutzenkirchen as a "great young man who touched the lives of everyone he knew in a positive way."

The former Auburn star died in a car accident near LaGrange, Ga., early Sunday morning. He caught more touchdown passes than any tight end in school history and was on the receiving end of the score that completed the Tigers' remarkable comeback win at Alabama in 2010.

Lutzenkirchen, 23, holds the school record for tight ends with 14 touchdown catches, and is second at that position with 59 catches and 628 receiving yards.

Lutzenkirchen is best remembered for his go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown against Alabama that completed a huge comeback that helped send the Tigers to the national championship. He did a little dance after the score -- it became known as the "Lutzie" -- and he accepted the good-natured ribbing that came with it.

Lutzenkirchen will be remembered as one of the most popular players in recent Auburn history.

"On the field, Philip was a great player and competitor, but more importantly, he was a great teammate and friend off the field," Malzahn said. "My thoughts and prayers are with Philip’s parents, Mike and Mary, and all of his family and friends who are grieving his passing. This is a sad day for the entire Auburn family. I find peace knowing that even though Philip was taken from us too soon, that he lived his life to the fullest, leaving a lifetime of great memories for his family and friends to cherish forever."

Athletics Director Jay Jacobs called Lutzenkirchen's death "a devastating tragedy for his family, the Auburn family and his countless friends. Today is also a profoundly sad day for the Auburn Athletics family, who loved and respected Philip not only as a great player but more importantly as a friend and the epitome of an Auburn man. I came to know Philip well and I admired everything about who he was and the way he lived his life.

"He had a strong faith, a big heart and a burning desire to help others. Philip was a bright light this world desperately needed, and his death leaves a void that can’t possibly be filled. My prayers, my thoughts and my heart go out to his wonderful parents, Mike and Mary, their entire family and his many grieving friends."

His stock was never higher than after the 2010 season as he considered leaving early for the NFL draft. He stayed at Auburn, although a painful hip cut his senior season short, and he had surgery after six games.

The injury cost him a chance in the NFL draft, though Lutzenkirchen said he was happy he had returned for his season.

"I heard if I had come out last year, I would have been taken in the third or fourth round. But I've never regretted coming back to play my senior year and getting my degree," he said in 2013.

Crap man this seriously ruined my day

So sad. WDE Lutz you will be missed. 4th passenger treated & released, he was wearing a seat belt,people please wear your seat belts.

I have a lot of mutual friends with that fourth passenger. He sent out an email to friends about what happened. Absolutely devastated.

I am so bummed about this today. Damn... just damn.

Somebody posted on twitter that his jersey, No.43 should be held annually as a sportsmanship award to an underclassman player who would win and wear it for a year as tribute. Chucky Mullens style.

I think that is one hell of an idea.

I also read they are rolling Toomers at 430PM today in honor of Lutzie.

Now they said that after the officers told media of no rolling, the officers left

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Now they said that after the officers told media of no rolling, the officers left

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It was rolled in his tribute today.


Not sure how I feel about that.

This is so horrible. He's the same age as my son.
Heartbroken........