Auburn Tigers placekicker Alex McPherson is a devout Christian whose unwavering faith has been the anchor of his inspiring college football career and medical journey. Raised in a Christian home in Fort Payne, Alabama, McPherson grew up attending First Baptist Church. He heavily leans on his religious beliefs to handle both the physical adversity of a major chronic illness and the high-pressure environment of college football.
The Core of His Faith
McPherson has gained national attention for his practice of pointing to the sky and praising Jesus after every single kick—regardless of whether he makes or misses it. After drawing social media criticism for thanking God following a rare missed field goal, McPherson explained his steadfast perspective: "I praise the Lord whenever I miss and whenever I make. You praise Him in the highs as well as the lows... He's the reason I'm back on that field."
Faith Through Medical Adversity
In 2024, after executing a flawless, perfect kicking season in 2023, McPherson was diagnosed with severe gastrointestinal conditions, specifically ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The illness was devastating:
• Severe Weight Loss: His weight plummeted from 160 pounds to just 110 pounds.
• Major Surgery: Doctors ultimately removed his large intestine, requiring him to adjust to playing football with an ostomy bag.
Throughout his recovery, McPherson and his wife, Hannah, openly attributed his emotional resilience and physical healing to surrendering control to God. He frequently cites the popular religious sentiment, "You can't have a testimony without a test," using his platform to share his faith and bring awareness to chronic illnesses.
Career Success
Backed by his strong personal convictions, McPherson successfully fought his way back to full strength for the Auburn Tigers. He holds an Auburn school record for hitting 6-for-6 field goals in a single game and has been honored with prestigious recognitions like the Capital One Orange Bowl FWAA Courage Award and the Pat Sullivan Impact Award for his integrity, faith, and courage.
