This story might not make the headlines of major sports networks, yet it deserves to. What Auburn University kicker Alex McPherson has faced and triumphed over is far more than just a football narrative. It’s a tale of heart, faith, love, and a level of courage that goes beyond the sport itself.
Recently, Alex was recognized as a candidate for college football’s Courage Award, an accolade given by the Football Writers Association of America and the Orange Bowl. This award honors players who exhibit remarkable courage on or off the field, particularly in the face of illness, injury, tragedy, or personal challenges. If anyone fits this description, it’s Alex McPherson.
A few months ago, Alex was not focused on 50-yard field goals or game-winning kicks. Instead, he was battling for his health, his future, and at times, his life. After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a severe chronic condition that inflames and damages the colon, Alex had to step away from the sport he cherished. The illness drained him of strength, energy, and stability, forcing him into a fight that no athlete anticipates.
Despite various treatments, his condition continued to deteriorate. After enduring months of pain and numerous hospital visits, Alex ultimately had to undergo a life-changing surgery last December — the complete removal of his colon. This operation left him with a colostomy bag, a visible reminder of his struggles. His weight plummeted to just 114 pounds, and even the simplest physical tasks became exhausting.
For many, this could have marked the end of their athletic journey. But not for Alex.
From the outset, he refused to let his condition define him. With the unwavering support of his family, friends, teammates, and especially his new wife Hannah, Alex embarked on the slow, often painful road to recovery. Each day presented new challenges — learning to move again, rebuilding his strength, and regaining the weight and stamina he had lost. He approached this journey with the same focus, patience, and faith he applied to football.
Now, less than a year later, he is accomplishing what once seemed impossible — he’s kicking again.
Picture this: an athlete on the practice field, preparing for a kick, feeling the familiar rush of wind and adrenaline. Yet, on one side of his body is the bag that saved his life — a daily reminder of his journey. While many would view it as a limitation, Alex sees it as a symbol of survival. It doesn’t hinder him; it propels him forward.
He is diligently working to regain his range, rhythm, and strength. Every kick, every practice session, every drop of sweat is an act of defiance — a statement that no illness, obstacle, or setback will ever strip him of his purpose.
Throughout this journey, Hannah has remained by his side. The couple married just months ago, and their bond has only strengthened through this ordeal. She has supported him through every hospital stay, every difficult day, and every moment of uncertainty. Their story is not just about recovery; it’s about love that perseveres through life’s toughest challenges.
Alex’s bravery has not gone unnoticed. His coaches, teammates, and fans see more than just a kicker returning to the field — they see a man who refused to give up. His story serves as a reminder that courage is not the absence of fear; it’s about showing up even when you are afraid.
The Courage Award exists for players like Alex McPherson — athletes whose strength shines brightest in the darkest moments. It honors those who fight battles far beyond the field and, in doing so, inspire others to believe in something greater than themselves.
When Alex steps onto the field now, he carries more than just a football. He carries a story — one of pain, perseverance, and unwavering faith. He embodies hope for everyone facing their own invisible battles. He serves as a reminder that no circumstance can define you unless you allow it.
It’s easy to view Alex’s journey as a comeback — but it’s more than that. It’s a transformation. He is not the same person he was before his diagnosis. He is stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. He has experienced what most would never imagine, and instead of bitterness, he has chosen gratitude.
He is, quite literally, kicking again — both in the sport he loves and in life itself. Each kick is an expression of gratitude for the health he has regained, for the people who supported him, and for the second chance he has been given.
Perhaps his story hasn’t yet made national headlines. But it certainly should. In a world often fixated on statistics, wins, and records, Alex McPherson reminds us what true victory looks like — not in points, but in perseverance.
He is not just an athlete; he is an example. A living, breathing definition of courage.
So yes, this story deserves a place on every sports page across the country. The world needs to hear about the kicker from Auburn who fought back against adversity and emerged victorious.
In the end, Alex McPherson is not merely a candidate for the Courage Award — he is its very embodiment.
And perhaps, just perhaps, his story will remind us all that even when life alters your game plan, you can still rise, face the goal, and give it everything you’ve got.
Here’s to Alex — the kicker who transformed pain into purpose, and who teaches us all what true courage means.
