Sure! Here’s a 700-word heartfelt open letter from former LSU Tigers legend Ben Wilkerson to Aaron Anderson, the fans, and the LSU Tigers community:
An Open Letter from Ben Wilkerson to Aaron Anderson, the Fans, and the Entire LSU Tigers Community
To Aaron Anderson, the fans, and everyone who proudly wears purple and gold,
As I sit down to write this, I’m flooded with memories — memories of my time as a young player walking into Tiger Stadium for the first time, hearing the roar of Death Valley, and feeling the heartbeat of a community that lives and breathes LSU football. Today, I write not as a former All-American or national champion, but as a proud LSU Tiger who’s watched with pride as the torch is carried by the next generation of players.
Aaron, this letter is for you, and for every young man who chooses to represent these three letters: LSU. I’ve watched you grow into your role with resilience, fire, and a quiet strength that speaks volumes. You came here with a purpose. And though the path hasn’t always been easy, you’ve shown time and again that your heart is in the right place. That means something here. It means everything.
There’s a weight that comes with wearing that jersey. It’s not just a uniform. It’s a legacy. When you step onto that field, you’re stepping into history. You’re following in the footsteps of legends, sure — but more than that, you’re becoming part of something much bigger than yourself. And you’ve handled that with grace and grit.
To the fans — the loudest, proudest, and most loyal family in college football — thank you. Thank you for being the heartbeat of Tiger Nation. You stood behind us when we won it all, and you stood behind us when we fell short. That kind of loyalty doesn’t exist everywhere. It’s one of the many reasons why LSU is so special.
I remember those long summer practices, the sweat, the soreness, the doubts. I remember Coach Saban pushing us beyond our limits. And I remember walking off that field every time with my brothers, knowing we left everything out there. Aaron, you’re doing that now. And it’s clear to anyone who’s watching that you’re not just playing for yourself. You’re playing for the name on the front of the jersey. You’re playing for Louisiana.
This state is built on resilience — on bouncing back when things get tough, on community, on pride. You carry all of that with you every time you line up. And whether you’re scoring touchdowns or grinding through practice in the heat, you’re doing more than just representing LSU — you’re inspiring kids all across the state who dream of following in your footsteps.
To the current roster, I say this: cherish every moment. The friendships you’re building, the lessons you’re learning — they’ll stay with you long after the cleats come off. You won’t remember every stat or every play, but you’ll remember the grind, the locker room laughs, and the feeling of walking out of that tunnel on a Saturday night, when the lights hit and the crowd erupts. That’s magic.
Aaron, don’t ever lose sight of why you started. You’ve got the talent, but more importantly, you’ve got the character. Keep your head high, your work ethic strong, and your heart open. The noise will come and go. But your legacy will be written by how you lead, how you fight, and how you rise.
To the entire LSU community — from the trainers to the professors to the die-hard fans who never miss a game — thank you. You helped raise us. You gave us something to fight for. And today, you’re doing the same for this new generation.
We are more than a football program. We are a family. And families stick together.
With deep respect and unshakable pride, I stand with you all — forever a Tiger.
Geaux Tigers.
Sincerely,
Ben Wilkerson
LSU Tigers Class of 2004
National Champion | All-American | Forever LSU
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