A little over 20 years after winning the award himself, Tracy Rocker can now say he’s coached a Lombardi Award winner as well.
At a ceremony Wednesday night that included Rudy Ruettiger as the keynote speaker, Auburn defensive lineman Nick Fairley was presented with the 2010 Rotary Lombardi Award. Fairley is the first Tiger to take home the award since his position coach, Rocker, in 1988.
“It’s a great honor,” said Fairley. “Knowing that Coach Rocker had won in 1988, and seeing all the other great names on that trophy, adding my name to it is a tremendous honor.
“I just thank God for putting me in the situation I’m in. I saw the smile on coach Rocker’s face and knew that he’s very proud of me. Then I saw my mom and dad and I knew they’re proud of me too. I want to congratulate the other finalists because they’re amazing players and people, and I want to thank the Auburn family for all the support they’ve given me.”
Fairley, who is also a finalist for the Bednarik Award, led the SEC with a school-record 21 tackles for loss.
