Blake Sims isn’t the only Alabama player to put aside the Iron Bowl rivalry for a meaningful message this season.

While Sims has been wearing a “Kayla” wristband — a tribute to Auburn student Kayla Perry, who was recently diagnosed with cancer — Alabama tight end Brian Vogler wears a navy blue band to commemorate the life of his close friend, former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen, who died in a car accident in June.

Vogler said he has worn the bracelet for months and joins a lengthy list of athletes who have honored the Auburn standout, including Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason and Auburn grad-turned PGA champion Jason Dufner.

“We were really close,” Vogler said. “We hung out in high school a good bit, went to Spring Break his senior year together. He was my host whenever I went to Auburn, and I would go there a good bit just because it was so close. We stayed connected over the last couple of years.”

Vogler was able to get time off to attend Lutzenkirchen’s memorial service and visit with his family, remembering his close friend.

“It was a really unfortunate thing that happened, but I think it brought out all the good things that he’s had in his life,” Vogler said. “Honestly, it just makes you step back and want to be the sort of person he was.”

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