Auburn kicker Alex McPherson earns annual Pat Sullivan Impact Award
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Alex McPherson’s story has captured audiences across the country this season.
As the Auburn kicker, McPherson has seen plenty of highs and lows on the field but his story off the field that grabbed the attention of the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club.
The Fort Payne native has been awarded the 2025 Pat Sullivan Impact Award, an annual honor that recognizes individuals in the world of sports whose lives and career have positively impacted others.
“The Monday Morning Quarterback Club is honored to recognize Alex McPherson as this year’s recipient of the Pat Sullivan Impact Award. This award honors Coach Sullivan’s exemplary character that he displayed through his integrity, courage, faith and kindness. All of these values ring true of Alex, even in the adversity that he has faced and overcome. His life is an inspiration to others. We congratulate Alex and wish him continued success and prosperity.”
Tommy Sisson, Monday Morning Quarterback Club Captain
The club says the award was created to recognize players, coaches and other staff who have faced significant challenges in their lives and have shown tremendous character through adversity with integrity, courage, and determination, often leaning heavily on their faith.
Alex McPherson’s comeback
Coming out of high school, Alex McPherson was considered the No. 1 kicker recruit in the country. In 2023, he was named an All-American and All-SEC performer along with a finalist for the Lou Groza Award.
However, McPherson faced multiple health challenges last season before eventually undergoing a surgery to remove his large intestine.
That procedure included creating a stoma — connected to an ostomy bag — outside of his body for waste to come out. He asked that it be put on his left side, so that he could still kick with his right leg.
McPherson was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and he lost more than 40 pounds before returning to the team over the summer. But he quickly returned as the team’s top kicker.
During the 2025 season, McPherson is:
- 18-of-21 on field goals
- 33-of-33 on extra points
Currently, McPherson ranks first in Auburn history connecting on 88.4 percent of his career field goals (38-of-43). That mark ranks among the top 15 of active FBS kickers.
He is also among Auburn’s career top 10 for field goals made and point after touchdowns.
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