Imagine battling a serious health crisis that sidelines you for an entire season, only to return stronger and smash records that echo through college football history. That's the awe-inspiring comeback story of Auburn's kicker Alex McPherson—and it might just redefine what 'tough' means in sports.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is true grit about physical prowess alone, or does mental resilience from life's toughest trials count even more? Stick around, because Alex's journey could challenge what you think about perseverance.
Dive into the world of Auburn Football, where updates on the team's latest triumphs keep fans on the edge of their seats. Published on November 22, 2025, at 6:34 p.m., and last updated at 6:52 p.m., this piece is brought to you by Peter Rauterkus, an Auburn Sports Reporter at AL.com. Peter covers everything from football to basketball and all Auburn sports news. He joined the team in July 2024, bringing fresh energy after previous experiences in sports journalism.
Less than a full year after undergoing major surgery to remove his large intestine—a crucial procedure to address his ulcerative colitis—Auburn's star kicker, Alex McPherson, shattered expectations by nailing a new seasonal best with a 49-yard field goal during their decisive victory over Mercer. For newcomers to the sport, ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon, often leading to painful symptoms like abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue, which can severely impact daily life, including athletic performance. McPherson's battle with this disease is a prime example of how health challenges can test even the most dedicated athletes.
Throughout the 2025 season, McPherson has been Auburn's go-to place kicker, the player responsible for those crucial field goals that swing games. Early on, his range was noticeably limited, a direct result of struggles with maintaining weight and overall strength due to his colitis flare-ups. This health setback kept him sidelined for nearly all of 2024, except for just one game appearance. Think of it like a runner training for a marathon suddenly forced to stop mid-race—frustrating and demoralizing, yet McPherson's determination turned it into a comeback story.
As the year progressed and his health stabilized, McPherson reclaimed his spot as a dependable asset for the Tigers. By now, he's converted 18 out of 21 field goal attempts this season, with an impressive streak of 12 consecutive makes following early misses, including three in Auburn's defeat against Missouri. This consistency highlights how he's bounced back, proving that with the right support—think medical care, coaching, and personal grit—athletes can overcome obstacles that might seem insurmountable.
Auburn's interim head coach, DJ Durkin, couldn't hide his admiration after the Mercer win, calling McPherson's transformation nothing short of miraculous. 'If you saw the kid six months ago to where he is now, it’s just incredible,' Durkin shared in the postgame press conference. 'You talk about tough. We talk about tough all the time, and you see hard hits and guys playing physical, but that’s one of the toughest dudes I know.' For beginners in football, 'tough' often means enduring physical contact, like tackles in a game, but Durkin's words expand that to include resilience against invisible battles, like chronic illness.
McPherson's standout performance against Mercer included two successful kicks: one from 47 yards that matched his previous season high, and another from 49 yards that set a fresh personal record. 'That was awesome. Tied the season long with a 47 and why not kick a 49?' McPherson said with a hint of excitement. 'It was kind of fun to get to go out there and do. I’m just glad I was able to knock them down and put some points up.' It's moments like these that remind us how sports can be a joyful outlet, even after hardship.
When informed about Durkin's glowing description, McPherson opened up about his personal growth. The ordeal not only brought him back to the field but also reshaped his outlook. 'When you can go through something like that, it makes football pretty easy,' he reflected. 'Coming back from that, I think that’s kind of taught me a lot of lessons. And it’s like I said, it’s really strengthened my mindset whenever I’m out there on the field, and it just helps me knock down the kicks when I’m needed.' For those new to these stories, this illustrates how adversity can build mental fortitude, turning challenges into strengths that apply beyond the game.
And this is the part most people miss... While McPherson's tale of triumph is motivational on its own, it's also positioning him among Auburn's all-time greats in kicking. With a career record of 38 successful kicks out of 43 attempts, boasting an 88.3% field goal accuracy, he's currently leading the program's historical charts. This statistic means he's more reliable than any previous kicker at Auburn, a feat that could inspire debates about whether modern athletes, with better training and tech, have an edge—or if personal stories like his elevate them further.
Peter Rauterkus is an Auburn Sports Reporter for AL.com covering football, basketball and all things Auburn sports. He joined AL.com in July 2024. Prior to joining the sports staff at AL.com, Peter spent time...
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Does McPherson's health battle truly make him one of the 'toughest' athletes out there, or is toughness overrated in an era of advanced medicine and support? Is mental strength from adversity more valuable than physical hits in defining a player's legacy? What do you think—does his story change how we view sports heroes? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even counterpoints that challenge this narrative!
