Mike Lutzenkirchen keeps son’s memory alive

Published 9:38 pm Monday, October 24, 2016

Mike Lutzenkirchen talked to the Selma Quarterback Club about the Lutzie 43 Foundation, which was started in honor of his son, Philip. --Daniel Evans

Mike Lutzenkirchen talked to the Selma Quarterback Club about the Lutzie 43 Foundation, which was started in honor of his son, Philip. –Daniel Evans

It’s been just over two years since the world lost former Auburn University star Philip Lutzenkirchen, but the former Tigers’ tight end is still touching the world through the work of his dad, Mike.

Mike Lutzenkirchen spoke to the Selma Quarterback Club Monday about Philip’s story on the club’s family night. Philip played on Auburn’s 2010 national championship team and had a brief NFL career.

He died in a 2014 automobile crash in LaGrange, Georgia. Philip’s blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was 0.377.

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Mike said his son was a good friend that night and not a great one.

“That’s what good friends do. They are afraid of the peer pressure to say I’m not going to go along, although I may be scared,” Mike said. ”A great friend says I’ve got the keys and we’re not going anywhere.”

Since his son’s death in 2014, Mike has started the Lutzie 43 Foundation and has spoken to several hundred schools, churches and organizations. Earlier this year he spoke to students at Morgan Academy.

Each time he shares the story of Philip and the choices his son made that night.

But he also talks about all of Philip’s accomplishments, on and off the field.

Philip owns the record for most touchdowns by a tight end at Auburn and caught the game-winning touchdown in the 2010 Iron Bowl. The Tigers went on to win the national championship that year.

But Philip also made a difference when not in uniform.

Mike told of several occasions his son made time to meet with special needs students.

Those actions fit with the word coaches and friends used to describe him best — available.

“I challenge you to go home tonight, whether you are the oldest in this room or the youngest in this room, or your white or black or male or female, look in the mirror and if you can tell yourself your available, you’re giving back to life,” Mike said.

Mike talked about all the people, organizations and coaches that have helped with the Lutzie 43 Foundation. Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn and Alabama football coach Nick Saban have both played a part, including playing in a golf tournament representing the foundation.

“We’ve had so many wonderful donations to our foundation that came in increments of $43 because of Philip’s number or $430,” Mike said.

“We continue to get phone calls to share this message.”

The Selma Quarterback Club will meet again on Nov. 7.

Auburn University softball coach Clint Myers will be the guest speaker that night.