Sullivan to be honored

Courtesy of Auburn Sports Information

AUBURN — Auburn Heisman Trophy winner and current Samford head coach Pat Sullivan will be recognized prior to Auburn’s game against Samford on Nov. 19 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Sullivan winning the Heisman in 1971.

The recognition will take place at 11:35 a.m. CT, 25 minutes before kickoff. Former teammates of Sullivan will join in the recognition.

“Obviously, this is very humbling,” Sullivan said. “I really appreciate (Auburn AD) Jay (Jacobs) inviting my teammates back, because I know I won the award because of their help. I’ll also look forward to having our Samford team there and to them being able to share in it. It doesn’t seem like it has been 40 years, but I appreciate all of the kindness that everybody has shown me. I will also really appreciate Jean and our kids and grandkids being there and being part of it.”

Sullivan set several SEC and NCAA records during his Auburn career, en route to being a two-time All-American and SEC Player of the Year, while winning Auburn’s first-ever Heisman Trophy in 1971. Sullivan passed for 2,012 yards and 20 touchdowns in 1971 as Auburn finished 9-2 and ended the season ranked 12th nationally.

"We are thrilled to have the chance to honor Pat Sullivan on the 40th anniversary of his Heisman Trophy," Jacobs said. "Coach Sullivan is and will always be an Auburn football legend, but more importantly, he is a class act with the utmost character and integrity. Recognizing Coach Sullivan along with many of the players from his era will be a special moment for the entire Auburn family."

Sullivan finished his career with 6,284 passing yards, 53 touchdowns and an NCAA-record 71 touchdowns responsible for.

Sullivan is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.