Timothy Alexander’s life changed in an instant in 2006 when a car crash left him paralyzed from the neck down.
What followed wasn’t surrender, it was a quiet, determined rebuilding of purpose, faith, and community. A standout at Erwin High, Alexander could have chased football full time.
Instead, he refocused his energy on education and leadership: he graduated from Erwin in 2007, attended Wallace State, and then double-majored in Criminal Justice and Communication Management at UAB.
At UAB, he made history as the first paraplegic in college football to receive a scholarship and emerged as a visible campus leader.
Alexander helped lead the #FreeUAB campaign that restored UAB athletics after the program’s termination.
Working with boosters, community leaders, and the city, the campaign raised more than $40 million in a single year and brought football, bowling, and rifle back to campus.
His honors are concrete: the Colonel Leo Thorsness Courage Award, the Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins Challenge Coin, a master’s degree from UAB, a MidSouth Regional EMMY for his story, and a viral moment on July 18, 2016, when he stood on his own for the first time since the accident.
He turned that experience into work that matters as a minister, John Maxwell-certified speaker, and character coach for UAB Athletics.
An Inspiration to Many
He speaks on character development, mentorship, counseling, and coaching, and has presented at schools, conferences, and sporting organizations nationwide.
People who’ve heard him say it plainly: “Mr. Alexander allows individuals to feel welcomed, cared for and inspired. By sharing his story, he creates the opportunity for others to embrace their past and cultivate their future,” said Bella Yoder.
“At Nike… TA is special. His ability to connect with the audience, challenge their potential and inspire them is invigorating,” wrote Vlad Rak.
“Timothy made a lasting impression on our young professional athletes and staff,” added Yeshayah Goldfarb.
Bill Clark also praised his speaking capability which has been an inspiration to many, “I’ve heard a lot of good speakers, but Timothy Alexander is one of the best in the country that the world hasn’t seen yet.”
Nineteen years after the crash, when doctors once gave him a five percent chance of surviving the night, Alexander still points first to faith and family.
He has publicly thanked God, his mother Patricia, mentor Stephen A. Davis, and his wife, Kayla Bryant-Alexander, for walking the journey with him.
He keeps his message simple and practical: “We don’t need it to be easy, we just need it to be possible.” That line isn’t a slogan for Tim — it’s the test he applies to every stage of his life and work.
