BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Auburn’s longtime football chaplain, Chette Williams, drowned Sunday night at Lake Martin.
For over two decades, Williams helped student-athletes navigate life on and off the field. Former players said the most important role on a team can be that of the team chaplain -- someone who can help guide a student-athlete through the ups and downs of life.
Chette Williams embodied the role like no one else. He was beloved by seemingly everyone he met, and his loss is already being felt.
“I think he’s one of the most impactful people in the history of Auburn football," said former Auburn offensive lineman Cole Cubelic. "I know that might sound crazy to some folks but really, I believe he touched that many people’s lives.”
"You hear about accidents like this, and you just don’t think it’s real," Cubelic continued. "It can’t happen that way."
Williams' life at Auburn started in the 1980s when he played linebacker for the Tigers.
“Chette walked on at Auburn," Cubelic said. "Chette's brother played at Auburn. It goes further than even his most recent role."
That role was team chaplain, one that Williams used to impact and help thousands of student athletes.
“[I] Lost my grandfather when I was in college," said Steven Clark, a former Auburn punter. "He was there to help navigate that. It’s hard to understand how bad things happen to good people."
Williams provided daily mentorship, fellowship and leadership to athletes at Auburn. Cubelic said Williams' impact will not stop with his death.
“When I think about Auburn football and what it did for me, bringing Chette into my life is going to be one of those things at the top of the list,” Cubelic said.
Tributes from around the country have been pouring in for Williams:
Heartbroken to hear the news about Chette Williams. Brother Chette was a remarkable man who led hundreds of young people to the Lord through the years. He was the architect of the 2004 Hard Fighting soldiers theme that turned into a national movement. His leadership has been a steady part of Auburn athletics for more than two decades. But more than sports, Brother Chette helped athletes understand that their purpose was much greater than anything they could ever accomplish on the field.
I am thankful that we recently had the opportunity to catch up. Auburn wouldn’t be what it is today without him. My thoughts and prayers are with Brother Chette’s family, along with those impacted by his ministry through the years. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)
He touched so many lives on and off the field. Brother Chette Williams and I would meet on the practice field weekly. Rarely did we talk football. We talked life. @AuburnU @AuburnTigers @AuburnFootball has lost one of its brightest lights. Love you brother.
Voice of the Auburn Tigers Andy Burcham
I am broken-hearted today, saddened at the loss of my good friend & brother @Chettew. He had great influence on my life. He was one of the people that made Auburn so special. He made such a positive & powerful impact on all players & coaches he came across. He will [be] greatly missed.
Gus Malzahn, current Florida State offensive coordinator and Auburn head coach from 2013-20
My family and I are devastated to learn about the passing of Chette Williams. His legacy lives on forever in the countless lives he positively impacted through Auburn & beyond. Rest easy my friend, you have finished the race and we are all blessed to have had you in our lives.
Bryan Harsin, current Cal offensive coordinator and Auburn head coach from 2021-22