The long-standing tradition of lighting a cigar each October following the Alabama vs Tennessee game has been something that players, coaches and fans have all indulged in.
But there’s been a long-kept story involving the tradition by former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy which he finally shared on social media ahead of this year’s matchup.
McElroy revealed that he played with a few lighters in his pants during the final moments of the 2008 matchup between the rivals when he went in the game for John Parker Wilson.
Funny story about 2008 Bama/Tenn Game…
We had cigars in the locker room, but we forgot to buy lighters. We asked fans for lighters and they tossed them down and I stuffed them in my pants.
Then, Coach put me in the game!
I played last 2-3 plays with 5 lighters in my pants.🤷♂️
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) October 15, 2022
Now that it’s been nearly 15 years, I can safely tell the story. #BAMAvsTENN pic.twitter.com/J7RpzrrleF
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) October 15, 2022
Fortunately for McElroy, the game was already in hand when he entered the game as the Crimson Tide defeated the Volunteers 29-9.
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