​When Johni Broome first set foot on Auburn’s campus in 2022, he was already familiar with the electrifying atmosphere of the Jungle. As a player for Morehead State, Broome had faced Auburn in the season opener the previous year, experiencing firsthand the fervent energy of the Tigers’ home crowd. This encounter left a lasting impression on him as he decided to join Bruce Pearl’s team. Over the course of the next three seasons, Broome delivered some unforgettable moments for the Tigers. From game-winning putbacks in Maui to having Morgan Freeman tugging at his jersey and, more recently, powering through injury in March Madness, Broome etched his name in Auburn lore.

This season as well, Broome led the charge for Auburn as they were considered title contenders, mainly due to his leadership. A stunning run in the NCAA Tournament only cemented his status as a Tigers icon, but he fell short in his quest for national glory ended in a heartbreaking 79–73 loss to Florida in the Final Four. Broome stood still, hands on his knees, unable to process the end of a journey that had defined resilience and grit. “It hurts. This team was special,” his words echoed through the Alamodome. For Auburn fans, though, the realization soon dawned that this wasn’t just the end of a season, it was the culmination of Broome’s journey with them.

On Wednesday, Broom took to Instagram to post a message, but this time, it wasn’t a rallying cry. It was a goodbye. “Before I arrived at Auburn, I had the privilege of spending two unforgettable years at Morehead State. I’m incredibly grateful for the coaches, teammates, and fans there who helped lay the foundation for my growth—on and off the court,” Broome began in his farewell message, captioned, “4 out.”

Those two seasons in Morehead State were Broome’s coming-of-age years. As a freshman, he posted 13.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 57% from the field. By his sophomore year, he upped those numbers to 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a dominant 3.9 blocks per contest, establishing himself as one of the most feared big men in mid-major basketball. His move to Auburn then catapulted him into legendary status.

These past three years at Auburn have been nothing short of incredible. From the moment I stepped on campus, I was welcomed with open arms by the coaches, my teammates, the managers, and every fan who wore orange and blue with pride. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to become the best version of myself. To Coach Pearl and the entire staff — thank you for your guidance and unwavering belief in me. To my teammates — you’re my brothers for life. To the fans — thank you for packing The Jungle night after night and making Auburn truly feel like home,” he added in his farewell letter to Auburn.

In his first season (2022–23), the Tigers went 21–13 and reached the NCAA Round of 32. The next year, they improved to 27–8, tying for second in the SEC before an early tournament exit. But it all came together in 2024–25—Auburn finished 32–6, topped the SEC, and punched a ticket to the Final Four. And whenever adversity struck, Broome didn’t flinch—he rose higher.

In the Elite Eight game against Michigan, he went down in pain after jostling for a rebound under the basket. He sustained an injury to his right elbow, and the scene left his mother, who was watching from the stands, in tears. Broome even walked off the court with his night seemingly over. However, he returned to action moments later and quickly scored a three. This moment summed up the resilience he has shown throughout his tenure at Auburn. There have been other memorable moments, too.

Last year, during a game against Ole Miss, as Broome was standing in the corner of the Rebels’ Sandy and John Black Pavilion court, a fan sitting courtside reached out and grabbed his jersey. Broome quickly swatted the arm away, only to realize that the fan was none other than Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman. Broome then quickly apologized to Freeman before turning his attention to the game.

Broome’s loyalty and heart extended beyond the hardwood. He acknowledged those who shaped his path, saying, “To my parents and siblings – your endless love and support have meant everything. And to my hometown of Plant City, Florida – I carry you with me every step of the way. Most importantly, I thank God for answering my calls and guiding my journey to the 2025 NBA Draft.”

From Morehead State to Auburn, from underdog to hero, Broome had turned every court into his canvas. He painted pictures with footwork, balance, and timing. But now, he takes that brush ahead for the next chapter—the pros. And while Auburn will reload and fight again, nothing will quite replace No. 4.

Fans didn’t hold back. Comments flooded his post—some tearful, others thankful, all emotional. For many, it wasn’t just about losing a player. It was about saying goodbye to a brother, a warrior, a symbol of hope.

Auburn’s Crown Jewel: Fans react as Johni Broome says goodbye to a legendary run

Reacting to Broome’s goodbye, one fan put it simply: “Thank you for the wonderful memories!!! You will always be one of the Greats in Auburn History!! 🧡🐅💙” And yes—Broome now sits comfortably in the same breath as Auburn legend Charles Barkley.

In fact, Barkley himself gave him the ultimate praise, signing off CBS’ broadcast of Florida’s 65-63 win over Houston in the Final Four with a bold declaration, saying, “Johni Broome is the greatest basketball player in Auburn history. I can’t wait to go down there and retire his jersey… He’s taken the throne, man.”

That sentiment echoed across Tiger Nation. Another fan wrote, “Will miss seeing you in that Auburn uniform, but also can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! The sky is the limit. Thanks for a wonderful time and War Eagle! 🧡”

The Tigers roared through the 2024–25 season with a dominant 32-6 record, clinching the top spot in the SEC, and at the heart of it all was Johni Broome. The senior big man was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 18.6 points (49th nationally), 10.8 rebounds (8th), 2.9 assists, and shooting an efficient 51% from the field. His fingerprints were on every major moment of Auburn’s unforgettable run.

One fan captured the emotion perfectly: “I have enjoyed watching you play and mature as a player. Good luck in the future, you will always be an Auburn man!! 🧡💙”

Another fan added: “War Damn Eagle!!! Thank you for being an amazing man to look up to and wish you all the success in the NBA.”

After suffering an elbow injury during the Elite Eight matchup vs. Michigan State, he dove headfirst into rehab. With a sleeve on his right elbow, he told reporters: “I kind of made it mad a little bit… but by Saturday, I’m going to be 100 percent.” Head coach Bruce Pearl was cautiously optimistic: “Well, I’m glad he feels that way,” Pearl smiled. “Today was the first day he moved and practiced, so I was glad to see him.” It is fair only hence that people look up to him.

During the March Madness run, Broome averaged 30.8 points and 12 rebounds per contest. He even scored 34 points in the Final Four despite being questionable to play in the game. One fan summed it up best: “I miss you already. But I’ll be watching you in the NBA. This was the all-time best Auburn basketball team. Period.”

As Broome looks ahead to his next chapter, Auburn fans will cherish his contributions for years to come.