Former Auburn offensive lineman Dillon Wade made some noise at the NFL Combine, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Instead of draft buzz, it was his unfiltered take on the Auburn-Alabama rivalry that got everyone talking.
Wade’s words stirred up the old debate between fans and players, shining a light on just how much animosity still simmers between these two programs. In a wide-ranging interview, he didn’t bother sugarcoating his feelings about Alabama, even while admitting their defensive linemen are legit.
He made it clear: the Iron Bowl rivalry still burns hot for him, even as he sets his sights on the NFL.
Dillon Wade’s NFL Combine Interview: A Closer Look
At the Combine, Wade fielded all sorts of football questions from reporters. His draft stock isn’t sky-high compared to some of his Auburn teammates, but you wouldn’t have guessed it from the attention he got.
When asked about the toughest defenses he faced, Wade brought up the strong linemen he practiced against at Auburn. Naturally, the conversation drifted to other SEC giants—Alabama, Georgia, LSU, you know the ones.
The Iron Bowl Rivalry: Auburn vs. Alabama
When someone brought up Alabama, Wade didn’t miss a beat. “Alabama? They’re okay, but it’s still War Eagle,” he shot back, and you could tell he meant it.
He’s played in the Iron Bowl three times, never got the win, but the rivalry clearly left its mark. Losing didn’t make him like Alabama any more, that’s for sure.
Wade even mentioned a recent chat with an Alabama player. “I think I’ll be an Auburn fan till the day I die and I will never, ever like Alabama. Ever,” he said. That’s about as honest as it gets.
Comparing Rivals: Georgia vs. Alabama
Georgia? Wade’s not a fan, but he’s got a little more patience for them than Alabama. “I don’t like Georgia either,” he admitted, “but I can tolerate them more than Alabama.”
SEC rivalries are weird like that—some grudges just run deeper than others.
Life Beyond College Football: Wade’s Professional Prospects
Now that Wade’s looking ahead to the pros, the Alabama rivalry still creeps into the conversation. At the Combine, someone asked what it’d be like to block for a former Alabama quarterback, like Carolina’s Bryce Young.
Diplomacy with a Rival Twist
Wade played it cool, but couldn’t resist a little jab. “If you went to Alabama, I will converse with you,” he joked, “but it has to be known that Auburn is a more superior school to them.”
Classic. Even when he’s being diplomatic, the rivalry’s never far from his mind.
The Legacy of the Iron Bowl
Wade’s comments really show how much college rivalries stick with players. The Iron Bowl’s history and intensity leave a mark you don’t just shake off.
For Wade, it’s more than just a memory—it’s part of who he is as a player.
A Rivalry That Transcends the Field
Heading into the next chapter of his career, Wade’s still got the Iron Bowl in his blood. He’ll talk with former Alabama teammates, but you can bet he won’t let them forget where he stands.
This rivalry? It’s not going anywhere. And honestly, that’s what keeps college football so much fun.
The Unyielding Spirit of the Iron Bowl
Dillon Wade’s candid remarks at the NFL Combine give us a fascinating glimpse into the Auburn-Alabama rivalry. His loyalty to Auburn is obvious, and his playful jabs at Alabama capture the wild energy that makes the Iron Bowl such a big deal in college football.
When Wade heads to the professional stage, you have to wonder—will the spirit of this rivalry still shape his path? It’s hard to imagine it not leaving a mark. These college football battles tend to stick with you, don’t they?
Curious to hear more about what Wade had to say? Check out the full article on AL.com.
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