The blue 43 lapel pin was positioned over Hutson Mason’s heart just as it is every week when he participates in UGA’s media day. Only it held a little more significance on Tuesday.
The "43" is in honor of Hutson Mason's friend and former Lassiter High teammate Philip Lutzenkirchen. A star tight end at Auburn and an NFL player, Lutzenkirchen was killed in an alcohol-related car crash this past June. Ian Davis, a former UGA baseball player, also died in that accident.
“It’s definitely a special week,” Mason said Tuesday. “I’m kind of waiting on a phone call or text from him. Obviously that won’t happen. I’m just trying to (put) football aside and remember Phillip and the impact he left on me. His father spoke to us as a team and talked about decisions we make and how they make an impact not only on you but on your family. So, just I’m just trying to honor him to the best of my ability.”
Even though Lutzenkirchen played at Auburn, Mason believes his lifelong buddy would be pulling from him on Saturday.
“I know he’s watching over me,” said Mason, who is a year younger. “I know I’ll go out there and play my best for him and hopefully he will pass a little luck my way.”
