LEE COUNTY, Ala. — Auburn fans, known for their passionate loyalty to the Tigers, unleashed a firestorm on social media Monday night after former star running back Kerryon Johnson, now a coach at East Tennessee State University, responded to a fan’s question about his love for Auburn with a quote tweet saying, “eh.” The comment, posted on X, sparked immediate backlash from the Auburn Family, a fanbase renowned for its deep connection to Auburn University and its storied football program at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The former Auburn superstar was attacked from within, as the family turned on one of its own.
Kerryon Johnson is ‘carrying on’ from his Auburn ways.
The Auburn Family had other intentions Monday night.
Johnson, a beloved figure from Auburn’s 2017 SEC Offensive Player of the Year campaign, rushed for 2,494 yards and 32 touchdowns during his three-year tenure with the Tigers. His 2017 season, highlighted by a 104-yard Iron Bowl performance against Alabama and 167 yards against Georgia, cemented his legacy on the Plains. Now, as ETSU’s running backs coach, Johnson’s flippant response stunned fans who revere the War Eagle tradition.
The Auburn faithful, often vocal on platforms like X, flooded Johnson’s post with reactions ranging from disappointment to outright anger. One user wrote, “Kerryon, you’re an Auburn legend, but ‘eh’? That stings, man,” echoing the sentiment of many who felt betrayed by the casual dismissal. Another fan posted, “The Auburn Family doesn’t forget its own. How do you say ‘eh’ to the place that made you?” The hashtag #WarEagle trended as fans debated Johnson’s loyalty, with some defending his right to jest while others demanded an apology.
Auburn’s fanbase, known for its relentless engagement—evidenced by past social media storms like the 2021 basketball “ratio” memes targeting opponents—did not hold back.
Posts garnered thousands of replies, with fans sharing iconic moments from Johnson’s career, like his hurdle over an Arkansas defender, juxtaposed with pleas to respect Auburn’s legacy. “Kerryon was our hero, but this hurts the Auburn Creed,” one fan tweeted, referencing the university’s cherished values of hard work and loyalty.
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The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of Auburn’s 2025 season, where coach Hugh Freeze’s 11-14 record has heightened tensions among fans craving a return to SEC dominance. Johnson’s comment, though likely intended as humor, struck a nerve with a fanbase already sensitive to perceived slights. By Tuesday morning, the X storm showed no signs of slowing, with fans urging Johnson to clarify his stance.
An Auburn superstar, Johnson has not yet responded to the uproar. As the Auburn Family awaits his next move, the episode underscores the intense bond between the Tigers’ supporters and their heroes, a connection forged in the heart of Lee County and felt across the Auburn diaspora.
The Auburn family denounced one of their own on Monday night, who created the last successful season on the Plains.
Auburn fans, quick to forget who had them on the doorstep of a playoff berth, defeating the two programs they often envy.
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