Area residents are invited to hear former University of Alabama lineman Jimmy Johns share his story, and to tailgate with him during the University of Alabama’s game against Ole Miss Saturday after-noon.

Johns turned to drugs while battling depression as a UA student. He was charged with six drug-related crimes, including distribution of cocaine, and served a year in prison. He is in recovery and is completing his education at UA.

Johns will share that story in area schools on Friday and at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 4:30 p.m. next Sat., Sept. 28. After he speaks, attendees are invited to a tailgate and cookout in the church’s parish hall, where large-screened televisions will be set up for the game. Billy Joe Stallworth will be grilling, and church members are providing side items.

The event, sponsored by the South Central Alabama Mental Health, the Covington County District Attorney’s Office, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Covington County Children’s Policy Council, is planned as part of Recovery Month, which celebrates addiction recovery.

There is no charge for the event.