The University of Alabama and Auburn University, two of college football’s most storied and bitter rivals, have announced the first-ever “Iron Alliance” Charity Game. This groundbreaking event will see a team of Crimson Tide legends face off against a team of Auburn greats in a flag football match, with all proceeds benefiting Alabama hospitals.
The game, a symbolic truce in the state’s most enduring rivalry, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 25, at Legion Field in Birmingham. The venue, once the annual home of the Iron Bowl, provides a fitting backdrop for this unprecedented collaboration, a place where so many epic battles were fought and now, a place where a new kind of history will be made.
The star power behind the event is immense. The Alabama team will be coached by none other than Crimson Tide legend and current NFL superstar Derrick Henry, a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most dominant running backs in the game’s history.
Across the sideline, the Auburn squad will be led by the iconic Bo Jackson, a two-sport phenom and arguably the most electrifying athlete to ever grace the Plains.
“This is bigger than football,” said Derrick Henry in a press conference. “We all grew up in this state, and we know what this rivalry means. But at the end of the day, we’re all Alabamians. When the people of our state need help, the colors don’t matter. We’re coming together for a common good.”
Bo Jackson echoed the sentiment, his voice carrying the same weight and intensity he had on the field. “It’s about giving back to the community that gave us so much. The hospitals, the doctors, the nurses—they’re on the front lines every day.
It’s our turn to step up and make a difference. The competition will be there, no doubt, but the purpose is what truly matters.”
Organizers have announced a partial list of participants, a veritable who’s who of Alabama and Auburn football.
On the Alabama side, fans can expect to see legends like former quarterback Greg McElroy and running back Mark Ingram II. For Auburn, the roster is equally stacked with former stars like quarterback Jason Campbell and running back Cadillac Williams. More players are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the game will go on sale starting September 1, with a portion of the proceeds from every ticket, merchandise sale, and concession purchase directly benefiting a consortium of Alabama hospitals. The event aims to support critical care, pediatric services, and ongoing research for some of the state’s most vulnerable patients.
The idea for the game was born from a conversation between Henry and Jackson, who have a long-standing mutual respect despite their allegiances. The two athletes, known for their powerful running styles, decided to channel that energy into a charitable initiative that could make a tangible impact.
The “Iron Alliance” game is more than just a sports event; it’s a powerful symbol of reconciliation and community spirit.
It’s a message that even the most ingrained rivalries can be set aside for a higher purpose. As the two coaching titans prepare their legendary teams, the real winners will be the patients and staff of Alabama’s hospitals.
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