By Mallory Mattingly
Mike Blanc believes only God could orchestrate his new role as the Auburn Tigers’ team chaplain.
During a recruiting visit at Auburn 20 years ago, Blanc met Auburn football’s team chaplain and Fellowship of Christian Athletes campus director, Rev. Chette Williams, the Auburn Tigers reported.
“I didn’t even know teams had chaplains,” Blanc said. “I didn’t know it was a thing.”
Williams explained to him that at Auburn, players and coaches have “Bible studies, one-on-one meetings with student-athletes and an optional Friday chapel service before football games.”
“Here at Auburn, you have an opportunity to grow physically, mentally and spiritually,’” Williams told Blanc, then a prospective student athlete.
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That’s when Blanc knew he was supposed to attend Auburn.
“I’m going to Auburn,” he said. “That’s for me. I felt like God was trying to make it clear as day, ‘Here’s the spot that I have for you.’ Chette was a big part of me choosing Auburn University.”
Blanc played for the Tigers from 2006-2010. He went on to serve as the University of Miami’s team chaplain from 2017-2025. But after Williams passed away last December and head coach Hugh Freeze invited him back, Blanc couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to his alma mater.
“God called. Chette was my mentor. Chette meant a lot to me and this program,” he said.
“Because of how Auburn blessed me, coming back was really important. There were great coaches and great men like Chette who poured into my life. I want to make sure I can return the favor and do the same exact thing, and even more, for our players, our coaches and the Auburn community. That’s a big reason why I’m back,” Blanc added in an Instagram post.
Blanc announced his on his social media in April.
“Feeling grateful for another year of life and all the blessings it brings! I’m excited to share my return to my alma mater, Auburn University, where I’ll continue the incredible ministry of my mentor and friend, Brother Chette Williams, who blessed countless players and coaches over the past 25 years. I’ll also continue to serve as EVP of Pro and Elite Sports for FCA,” he wrote.
“Brother Chette’s legacy at Auburn and within FCA lives on through the many players and coaches he inspired, including me,” he continued. “A heartfelt thank you to the entire University of Miami family for allowing me to serve over the past eight seasons and witness lives transformed for the kingdom of Jesus Christ.”
It’s incredible to see how God inspired Blanc’s interest in football ministry years ago and eventually brought him back to the place where it all began.
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