Auburn’s Hugh Freeze praises Monday Morning Quarterback Club’s charitable work

Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze
Hugh Freeze speaking at a news conference before Monday Morning Quarterback Club meeting (Bham Now)

It is never easy to talk to the media after a close loss to one of your oldest rivals.

But earlier this week, in a brief meeting with local Birmingham media, Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze put the Georgia game and life in general in proper perspective after Bham Now asked him about the work of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club of Birmingham. 

The first year coach praised the venerable 84-year old club and the work it has done over the years raising monies through the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation

Coach Freeze’s answer did not disappoint

Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze
Hugh Freeze speaking at a news conference before Monday Morning Quarterback Club meeting (Bham Now)

Here is what he said:

“Anytime people in our position can do something for needy children, my wife and I are all in on that.

I’ve been familiar with the Birmingham Quarterback Club. I don’t want to make others mad, but they are probably the best in the nation at really putting their money where their mouth is in supporting needy children. So it’s an honor that I can play a small role.” 

During its decades long history, the Monday Morning Quarterback Club of Birmingham has raised $33 million for children’s related charities. 

“The approximately 760 members of the Quarterback Club know the value of teamwork and generosity off the field and look forward to hearing from sporting legends each week in the fall. Last year, $1.85 million was granted to 28 local nonprofits tackling the medical needs of children. The funds raised by the club make a huge impact on the lives of the children, youth and their families in our state,” 

MMQBC Captain Stan Blanton stated in a September news release

This year, the club intends to raise more than $2 million.

2023 lineup of speakers

Trent Dilfer
UAB Head Coach Trent Dilfer- NC A&T at UAB – August 31, 2023 (Bham Now)

Along with Coach Freeze, the Quarterback Club has had a star-studded lineup of coaches and administrators to hear speak. The 2023 has already included:

  • Rich Rodriguez, Head Coach at Jacksonville State University
  • Andy Kennedy, UAB Basketball Head Coach
  • Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner

Speakers left on the schedule:

  • October 9 – Gus Malzahn
  • October 16 – Shannon Terry
  • October 23 – Nick Saban
  • October 30 – Trent Dilfer
  • November 6 – Sylvester Croom
  • November 13 – Houston Nutt
  • November 20 – Special Guest 

More about the MMQBC

Want to learn more about the history of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club of Birmingham and some of its projects over the years?

Below are stories publish in Bham Now:

Generous donation from Monday Morning Quarterback Club To Children’s of Alabama—about their new helicopter
A coin toss connects Quarterback Club, high school football + children’s health charities

For more info on the MMQBC and the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation visit, www.mmqbc.org or follow @BhamMMQBC on social media 

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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