Well we're 36 hours removed from becoming National Champions and, with all the politics and bias' you have to overcome to get there,  achieving the hardest goal in all of sports. But I've got to say......I don't feel any different. Don't get me wrong, I am so, so, so proud of our boys and our coaches and so happy for myself and all the other long suffering Auburn fans, but there is no transcendency to another level of satisfaction that I thought that winning the National Championship would bring.  Perhaps it was because I was snowbound in my house watching it with my sons instead of being at the game or watching with a group of Auburn fans at  a bar but I thought it would be different. I am so happy that I got to live that moment with my sons... and I wish my Dad could have come over but I feel like I'm missing something. Perhaps its because all the haters are still heaping hate instead of praise. Perhaps its becuase of the excuses being thrown around why Oregon lost.. Perhaps its because Cam lost his smile.

What I am beggining to understand though is that I am proud to be an Auburn Tiger everday. I love Auburn when we are 3-8, 5-7, 8-5, 10-2 and 14-0. Being National Champion is an incredible accomplishment but it doesn't change how I feel about Auburn and our beloved Tigers. Cam, Nick, Wes, Lee, Josh and all the seniors will leave and we will start over next season but that same love and pride will endure if we go 7-5 or repeat as National Champs. Our unique pride in this team will live on forever but it's what Auburn is, and has meant to me over my entire life, that makes me feel today like I did on Jan.12th last year, and that is proud to be an Auburn man. I am not boastful, I don't seek congratulations and I certainly don't need any validation from anyone else....being an Auburn man is enough. The National Championship was just a great way to end a magical season. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I do, but keep it in perspective. A National Championship does not define this team or Auburn, it makes what they have accoplished all that much better but they were Champions long before they took the field in Atlanta and Glendale. They showed the strength of mind, body and character of a Champion  long before that in comeback wins against Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, and by winning slugfests against LSU and Arkansas. When they were down 24-0 against Alabama, I told myself, "Guys you did a great job this year....well done". The fact that they came back and won is probably the most amazing thing I have ever seen in football, and just solidified what I felt already. Regardless of what happened they were Champions, and I guess to me, they didn't need to prove themselves anymore. I am just happy that they won Monday for themselves, so that they know they are the best, and beat the best in the country. War Eagle Gentleman. You did us all proud, but know this, we were proud of you all along. Godspeed to you graduating Seniors and those leaving early to ply your skills to those in the NFL. You will always have a special place in our hearts and I hope you enjoyed your time on the Plains.

To those returning next year, I can't wait to see what new chapters you will write for all us. But remember, win or lose, ITS GREAT TO BE AUBURN TIGER!!

WAR EAGLE EVERYBODY!!