Smoke Monday expects to play his final game in an Auburn uniform next Tuesday when the Tigers take on the No.20 Houston Cougars in the Birmingham Bowl.
Monday accidentally let the news slip out when he reminisced about his time playing at Auburn.
“I’m playing because I love ball,” Monday said after practice at Hoover High. “As long as I get to play an extra game, I’m gonna do it. I want to go out with a win with these guys. I probably won’t play with a lot of these guys ever again.”
Monday is a senior but had an extra year of eligibility because of last season’s COVID-19 protocols. He posted 58 tackles and two sacks this season. He etched his name in Auburn lore with the 2019 Iron Bowl pick-six off current New England Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones in the Tigers’ win against Alabama.
Monday could’ve opted out of the contest similarly to league-bound teammates cornerback Roger McCreary, offensive lineman Brodarious Hamm, linebacker Zakoby McClain but decided to play. Head coach Bryan Harsin, who would like to win the game, appreciated one of the best athletes in the SEC sticking around for the Birmingham Bowl.
“I think it’s a privilege to play in the postseason,” Harsin said after practice. “I appreciate guys who continue to finish. That’s not a knock on the guys who have personal situations or make other choices. It’s an honor to be here in Birmingham and be a part of this game. It’s great for us to have Smoke and the other guys out there who want to be part of this opportunity.”
The 6-6 Tigers will take on 11-1 Houston. Auburn is a 2.5-point favorite against the Cougars,
Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.
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