In the coming days, families and friends will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is not another blog about Pilgrims, cooking turkeys, favorite side dishes, the effects of tryptophan, or even the history and symbolism of the cornucopia. It’s a story of true Thanksgiving at its very best, the essence of what the holiday – and every day – should be all about. It’s a story of gritty courage and the power of Faith and gratitude in the face of death, the importance of being thankful …
There are seasons in life and in sports when everything seems to fall perfectly into place. For Auburn University junior placekicker Alex McPherson, the 2023 football season was just that — a dream realized one kick at a time. Alex went 13-for-13 on field goals and nailed all 40 extra-point attempts. AU fans loved his poise, accuracy, reliability and chatty personality.
He appeared to be following in the footsteps of his older brother, Evan, a standout kicker at Stanford selected in the 2021 NFL Draft and now in his fourth season with the Cincinnati Bengals. But what few saw coming was the monumental battle Alex would soon face … not on the field, within himself.
After the ’23 season, Alex began to feel sick. He dropped 55 pounds — more than a third of his body weight — in a matter of weeks. His dreams were suddenly overshadowed by fear, uncertainty and questions, so many questions. After a litany of medical tests, doctors diagnosed him with ulcerative colitis, and the journey that followed included multiple surgeries, a colostomy bag, and a brush with death. For a then-21-year-old athlete, the path ahead appeared daunting, perhaps insurmountable, but Alex refused to let his story end there.
The power of comebacks
Alex leaned on the support of his fiancée [now his wife], as well as the Auburn training staff, and his own unwavering, deep Faith. He started a slow, painful process of rebuilding — one workout session at a time. But he didn’t just work to strengthen his body with weights and resistance work, he focused on good nutrition, soothed his mind through meditation and visualization, and clung to the belief that he would return not just to play football, but to be whole again.
It worked … at least for a while. After what seemed like a miraculous story of redemption, Alex faced yet another health setback — a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and another troubling loss of 30 pounds. He played just one game in the 2024 season before being sidelined once more.
Yet, in the face of repeated adversity, Alex’s response was persistent positivity and throughout-the-day expressions of gratitude for what he did have, even if it wasn’t everything he wanted. He has said in multiple interviews that when Faith is tested, you double-down on trust … and gratitude. You give thanks for all that is good in your life no matter the circumstances.
Again, he fought his way back slowly, drawing strength from his mind-body-spirit approach and accepting the support of those around him. Gradually, he regained his health and rejoined the Tigers. Yet, the redemption story would be tested again. In a critical conference game against Missouri last month, Alex missed three field goals, including a potential game-winner in overtime. The following morning, he walked into his coach’s office, took full responsibility for his failed kicks, and apologized — not for his effort, but for the outcome.
Instead of reproach, Alex received something infinitely more valuable – the belief and Faith of another in him. Then-Auburn Coach Hugh Freeze told Alex to stick with it, reminded him of the ’23 success he’d enjoyed, and told him he backed him fully. That affirmation, in tandem with his spirit of gratitude and appreciation, and more than any adjustments in his kicking technique, fueled another Alex McPherson turnaround.
The following week at Arkansas, he went 6-for-6 on field goals, leading Auburn to a crucial win. And since that missed kick in OT at Missouri, he’s been perfect – 12-12 with a long of 49 yards, and has extended his streak of 82 consecutive extra points. In a 62-7 Auburn blowout of Mercer University this past Saturday, Alex was 2-2 on FGs of 47 and 49 yards with eight converted PATs.
This weekend, Alex and his teammates conclude the regular season at home against their biggest rival, No.10 Alabama. Unless Auburn shocks Bama, there will be no bowl game for the Tigers. But you can be sure, despite a disappointing season for the team, Alex will continue to express his thanks and gratitude for having the opportunity to compete at college football’s highest level.
Why Alex’s story resonates beyond football …
While Alex’s journey truly is a story of resilience, Faith, courage and redemption, most importantly, it’s a story about the power of being truly thankful – no matter what – for that which is good in our life even though challenges can cast a long, heavy and blinding shadow.
We’ve all certainly had our own obstacles to overcome, nobody gets out unscathed in a lifetime. It may have been something physical, emotional, financial, the passing of a loved one, a job loss, a program or project we led that flopped miserably, or any of life’s other untimely and unfortunate curve balls. It’s how we respond in the moment that determines whether or not we’ll successfully overcome … or whether we let the challenge overcome us. Being thankful is a good start.
All of us at dynami wish you and yours a safe and special Thanksgiving with loved ones, making memories, deepening bonds, and expressing how grateful we are for all that is right in our lives. We certainly give thanks for each of you.
Happy Thanksgiving, all.
Kenneth Jones
