Former Auburn QB to speak to Methodist Men

Published 8:41 pm Friday, December 10, 2010

With Auburn football on the minds of so many local residents, Clanton First United Methodist Church is bringing in an appropriate guest: former Tigers quarterback Jeff Burger.

Burger will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Methodist Men, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Crossroads Café located inside the church.

The event is open and free to the public, though a $5 is suggested to help cover the cost of the included meal.

For more information, call the church at 755-0490.

Methodist Men request those who plan to attend call the church so plans can be made to accommodate all who participate.

Burger was a captain of the 1987 Southeastern Conference champion Auburn team and was named the conference’s player of the year. He compiled a 21-3-2 record as a starting quarterback.

Burger was also the center of controversy. Three times during the ’87 season his eligibility was in question: once when an AU assistant coach posted bail after Burger was arrested following a bar fight, again during an academic investigation into charges of plagiarism and finally after Burger took a free flight to a dove hunt.

Mike Graham with the Methodist Men said part of Burger’s presentation will focus on how his faith has changed him.

“He’s had his life transformed by the Lord,” Graham said.

The Methodist Men contribute to various local charitable organizations and host events to benefit the church.

“Our mission is just to do helpful things for the community and the church,” club executive committee member Jim Payton said.