Auburn’s Alex McPherson, who overcame Crohn’s disease to become one of the nation’s most proficient kickers, has received the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.

The Fort Payne native returned to form after a nearly two-year battle that featured multiple different diagnoses and treatment plans that eventually allowed him to build back up strength and play football again.

“It’s hard to put into words,” McPherson said of the honor. “It’s been an awesome year. From the beginning of the season, not even knowing if I’m going to be able to play the full season, to having the decent season I had, and to be able to come back and play with my guys on the team, this award is kind of the cherry on top. It’s awesome that I’m able to receive this, and it’s just an honor to be able to have it.

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