“One of America’s great writers tackles one of America’s great rivalries, a combination as perfect as Denny Chimes and Toomer’s Corner … You’ll love this book.”
—Dan Wetzel, New York Times bestselling author and ESPN national columnist
“Deeply reported, lyrical, moving, poignant and at times side-splitting funny, Busbee has delivered the authoritative book on the only rivalry in the world that people plan weddings around, delay funerals for, and once upon time, killed some sacred trees over. A masterful account.”
—Lars Anderson, New York Times best-selling author of Chasing The Bear and The Storm and the Tide
Iron in the Blood
How the Alabama vs. Auburn Rivalry Shaped the Soul of the South
The story of college football in Alabama is the story of the South itself. This behind-the-scenes account of the Alabama vs. Auburn rivalry, one of the fiercest in American sports, details its rich history, celebrates the triumphs of both teams, and showcases the larger-than-life power of football to break down barriers and shape an entire culture.
For Alabama and Auburn, football isn’t life. It’s much more important than that. Their rivalry is a multigenerational one, fueled by rage and redemption, and they clash every autumn with ferocity and defiance. But the shockwaves of their feud have transcended the football field, entering into politics, advancing civil rights, energizing millions, and opening up eyes and hearts in a way even religion never could.
Yahoo Sports senior writer Jay Busbee traces the perpetual impact of football in Alabama, from the days of Reconstruction, through the Civil Rights era, to the hyper-partisan climate of the 2020s. From Bear to Bo, from Cam to Nick, from Toomer’s Corner to Denny Chimes, Iron in the Blood revels in the victories of both schools and dives deep into the iconic figures connected with both programs.
Iron in the Blood is an up-close look at one of America’s most colorful sports rivalries, but it’s also a glimpse into the joy and agony of being a die-hard football fan. It’s the dramatic history of how football has defined a state, inside and outside its stadiums. And it’s the story of how Alabama understands that football is both a magnificent way to celebrate its brightest days and a welcome path to climb out of its darkest ones.
Published By BenBella Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
On sale August 26, 2025
Preorder Iron in the Blood, get free stuff
IRON IN THE BLOOD drops on August 26, 2025. Send me a copy of your receipt at jay [dot] busbee [at] yahoo.com and I’ll send you a signed bookmark and an early chapter of the book! Order from any of these fine retailers:
Jay Busbee
Jay Busbee is a senior writer for Yahoo Sports, where he’s covered the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Masters, the Daytona 500, the Kentucky Derby and, of course, the Iron Bowl. He’s also the host of NASCAR Studios’ “Home Turn” travel/history show, and he writes a weekly Southern culture Substack newsletter, Flashlight & A Biscuit. Jay’s work has been honored by Best American Sports Writing and the Associated Press Sports Editors. He’s the author of multiple books, including Earnhardt Nation, a bestselling biography of NASCAR’s Earnhardt family, and Iron in the Blood, a history of the Auburn-Alabama rivalry.
A graduate of the College of William & Mary and the writing program at the University of Memphis, he lives in Atlanta with his family and worships at the church of SEC football.
Contact Jay at jay [dot] busbee [at] yahoo.com.
Come hang with Me!
Besides the books and articles, I write a weekly Southern culture newsletter called Flashlight & A Biscuit. I love the American South — it’s a fascinating, infuriating, beautiful, aggravating region, one full of magnificent art, wrenching history and so, so many stories. Every week, I’ll share one of them with you … along with some good music, food and book recommendations. It’s a hell of a deal for the low, low price of free.
Check out Flashlight & A Biscuit and sign up right here on Substack.
