Auburn pays tribute to Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt at Iron Bowl

Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) tries to break a tackle by Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (23) during the first half of the Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Iron Bowl Alabama Vs Auburn
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) tries to break a tackle by Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (23) during the first half of the Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Iron Bowl Alabama Vs Auburn /
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The Auburn Tigers have taken the opportunity to pay their respects for the late Cecil Hurt, one of the greatest sportswriters the state of Alabama has ever seen.

A longtime wordsmith for the Tuscaloosa News, Cecil Hurt covered the Alabama Crimson Tide for decades. He passed away earlier this week after battling pneumonia, but his presence is still being honored at this year’s Iron Bowl.

The Auburn Tigers created some space in the press box at Jordan-Hare Stadium to make sure that Hurt still had a spot. With a bouquet sporting a crimson and white bow and customized press credentials and a memorialized placeholding name card, the Tigers placed a photo of Hurt in the press box.

Auburn honors longtime Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt at the Iron Bowl

The tribute to Hurt is a solid one. It’s a great way to honor his memory and commemorate what his presence brought to the Iron Bowl and to sports coverage in the state of Alabama.

Hurt’s legacy will be remembered fondly by many and it’s heartwarming to see Auburn take the opportunity to honor that during what is arguably the biggest rivalry in college football.

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