Watch great college football tradition return to field

There are plenty of grat college football traditions around the country.It’s what makes college football unique.However, few compare to the magic of the flight of the Auburn eagle prior to a kick off.Auburn returned home Saturday in a crucial SEC game against LSU.On Saturday, the tradition had a different feel to it for those in attedance to see Alex Golesh’s Tigers face LSU.SEC Nation’s Marion Crowder reported that “War Eagle VIII, known as Aurea” was unavailable.“She is out for the pregame flight activities today against LSU and she’s questionable to return for the remainder of her game day responsibilities for 2026,” Crowder said. “Now stepping in for Aurea is the Bald Eagle Independence. And that’s going to change because the flight path is unique to each eagle. Now one thing I did learn amongst all of this is that eagles actually have foot pads and the weight bearing part of Aurea’s foot is actually what she’s suffering from. “And as you can imagine guys, we’ve all had kind of like a pesky hamstring tear, the foot pad of an eagle very, very easy to re-injure. So while she’s getting that top tier treatment, as I said, it’s going to be the Bald Eagle Independence that’s stepping in today. And the wind will actually determine where the handlers let the eagle off. But after that it is entirely creative freedom to the eagle for how they end up at the 50 here at Jordan-Hare Stadium. “And I know that’s a bit of somber news, but what you don’t have to worry about if you’re an Auburn fan, Independence is in its fifth season, OK. So you don’t have to some rookie stepping in to the pregame activities today.”Earlier this month, Auburn announced that Aurea would be out the 2026 season while recovering from a foot injury.The Auburn University Raptor Center (AURC) has been caring for an injury on the pad of Aurea’s foot, which is believed to have been sustained during day-to-day activities in her aviary. Aurea’s veterinary team is providing dedicated care throughout her recovery, with a focus on her comfort, healing and overall welfare.“Aurea means so much to the Auburn Family, and we know how much our fans look forward to seeing her soar over Jordan-Hare Stadium,” AURC Director Dr. Robyn Miller said. “But our responsibility to Aurea extends far beyond gameday. She has given so much to Auburn University and our cherished traditions. Now, she deserves the time, care and patience she needs to heal. We look forward to having her with us on the sidelines whenever she feels up to it.”Mark Heim is a senior writer who provides sports, news and trending content. He co-hosts a daily sports radio show on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile. Heim has been recognized with awards for his writing, headlines and...