Members of the Auburn University and University of Memphis football teams visited patients at Children’s of Alabama medical center on Monday in advance of their showdown in the Birmingham Bowl.

“This is my first time coming to a place like this, so it’s been amazing for me to come here and see these kids and put a smile on their face,” said Memphis senior Dion Witty.

Witty and his teammates, as well as those from the opposing Tiger team, handed out gifts and offered encouragement to the young patients and their families.

Auburn offensive lineman Shon Coleman said he and his teammates had been looking forward to visiting Children’s since they learned they would be playing in the Birmingham Bowl, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Legion Field and can be seen nationally on ESPN.

It may take more than a stuffed animal for Auburn’s Chandler Cox to sway Emily Adams’ allegiances. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Anaya Gray shares a smile with the players. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Auburn’s Daniel Carlson and Chandler Cox visit with Judah Hill. (Wade Rackley/Auburn Athletics)

Kaden Johnson looks through a book he received. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Auburn’s Shon Coleman visits with a patient at Children’s. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

The players arrived with a wagon full of gifts from the Birmingham Bowl. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Braden Cooper told the players he played safety on his football team. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Jeremy Johnson visits Children’s of Alabama Hospital. (Wade Rackley/Auburn Athletics)

Memphis player Dion Witty said he enjoyed visiting with the patients at Children’s. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Memphis and Auburn players visited patients at Children’s of Alabama. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Judah Hill adds some Auburn gifts to her other belongings. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

The players arrived with a wagon full of gifts from the Birmingham Bowl. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Memphis player Leonard Peques shares a laugh. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Shon Coleman, center, leaves Children’s lobby to visit patients. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Memphis linebacker Ryan Mack visits with a patient at Children’s. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Anaya Gray visits with Memphis players. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

Timothy Carter took in the gifts. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

A sign welcomes players to the medical center. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)

For Coleman, the visit reminded him of his own health issues. As reported by USA Today and other media outlets, Coleman was ranked the top prospect in Mississippi and No. 3 nationally at his position by Rivals.com in 2010. But the five-star offensive tackle out of Olive Branch, Miss., was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Instead of heading to Auburn as he planned, Coleman and his family moved to Memphis so he could receive care at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in March 2010. The disease went into remission in April, but recovery took time. He was able to enroll in classes in January 2011, and the university made special provisions so he could travel between Auburn and Memphis — a five-hour drive — for treatment. He also saw a doctor in Auburn when needed.

“Seeing these kids and what they’re going through reminds me of what I’m going through,” Coleman said. “Just to see how far I’ve come and to know that success is on its way is unbelievable.”

Now the 6-foot-6, 313-pound junior is weighing his NFL Draft options. But there are more pressing matters, to be resolved on the field.

“I’m worried about the game right now,” he said.

Memphis’ Witty said the experience at Children’s was so rewarding, he’d like to come back – after taking care of business Wednesday.

“I would tell my coach I would like to come back here and do this every time because I love to put a smile on people’s faces,” the defensive back said. “Putting a smile on a person’s face can change someone’s life.”