Auburn’s changing of the guard on sideline coverage
AUBURN, Ala. (auburntigers.com) – After 25 years roaming the sidelines for the Auburn Sports Network, former Tiger linebacker great Quentin Riggins is passing the mic to former Auburn and NFL standout running back Ronnie Brown.
“Quentin has been a beloved member of the Auburn Sports Network team for such a long time and his work has been appreciated by the entire Auburn Family,” Auburn Sports Properties Vice President and General Manager Chris Davis said. “While it is difficult to replace someone like him, Ronnie Brown is a natural successor and his expertise will be a great asset to the broadcasts.”
Riggins, a four-year letterwinner at linebacker for Auburn from 1986-89, earned second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in both 1988 and 1989, while helping the Tigers to SEC titles in 1987, ’88 and ’89. After graduation and a stint in the CFL, Quentin parlayed his love for and knowledge of football into a broadcast career which transformed the role of sideline reporter for the Auburn Network.
Riggins worked for both former House Speaker Seth Hammett and former Gov. Bob Riley, whom Riggins served as director of legislative affairs. He also was a vice president at the Business Council of Alabama before starting his own company. In 2014, he moved into governmental relations at Alabama Power, and in March of this year was promoted to Senior Vice President in charge of Governmental and Corporate Affairs.
“It’s been a great run,” Riggins said. “I have been blessed to work with the best broadcast team for the past 25 seasons. I am very excited about Ronnie joining the team. He is an outstanding choice, and our audience will be blown away by his knowledge of the game. I want to thank my Auburn Family for allowing me to come into your home, car or headset, and share my passion for our team with you. We have won a lot of games together, and we will win again TOGETHER!”
Ronnie Brown needs no introduction to the Auburn Family. Recently retired from the NFL, Brown enjoyed an 11-year career, amassing 5,391 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns with the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and Houston Texans.
Part of the most illustrious backfield in Auburn football history, Brown rushed for 2,707 yards and 29 touchdowns during his four-year career from 2000-04. He was selected second overall in the 2005 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins.
Brown now looks to put his Auburn communications degree to use with his new role on the Auburn Sports Network. In 2015, he took part in the NFL Broadcasters Boot Camp.
“I am always excited to come back to the Plains, but I’m elated to be the new sideline reporter following in Quentin’s footsteps,” Brown said. “It’s a great opportunity that I’m looking forward to, and I’m approaching it in the same manner as I did when I was an athlete.”
Riggins and Brown will join the Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett for a special Tiger Talk from 6-7 p.m. at Victory Grille on Thursday, August 25 to open the 2016 football season.
