- McKinnon, 32, also has a degree in psychological sciences
- Knights backrower crippled after 2014 tackle
Former NRL star Alex McKinnon has revealed his next big challenge after being left paralyzed following a horror tackle in a game against Melbourne in 2014.
McKinnon, 32, posted an Instagram Story on Thursday, confirming that he is about to start studying for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Newcastle University.
It comes after the one-off Newcastle Knights backrower recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences from the same academic institution in New South Wales.
The father-of-three faced an uncertain future almost 11 years ago when he was told the devastating news he was unlikely to walk again after breaking his spine in a three-man tackle against the Melbourne storm.
McKinnon suffered fractures to his C4 and C5 vertebrae in the horror incident.
Determined, McKinnon finally let go of his anger and traded football boots for textbooks.
Former NRL star Alex McKinnon has revealed his next life challenge after being paralyzed following a horror tackle in a game in 2014 (pictured with partner Lily Malone)

McKinnon, 32, posted an Instagram Story on Thursday, confirming that he is about to start studying for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Newcastle University

The one-time Newcastle Knights backrower recently graduated with a degree in psychological sciences from the same academic institution

Ms Malone recently graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) with First Class Honors from Newcastle University

The former Newcastle Knights star was left quadriplegic after suffering a spinal cord injury in a 2014 match against the Melbourne Storm

Alex McKinnon shares his three daughters with ex-wife Teigan Power (pictured)
“Going to university was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life,” McKinnon told the Daily Telegraph.
‘One of the biggest frustrations when I was injured was that I had spent my entire life trying to adjust as an athlete to compete.
‘And when all that is taken away from you, it is the destruction of the soul. Not only do you lose your identity, but all that hard work you put in is now worthless.
‘So basically, you have to start over.’
McKinnon admitted that he “doubted his ability” to succeed academically, and felt “surreal” after completing his degree.
His passion for psychology arose from previously working as part of the Knight’s recruiting team.
After separating from his wife Teigan Power in 2022 after five years of marriage, McKinnon found love again with new partner Lily Malone.
The couple met at college, where Malone was studying for a degree in social work.
He has also worked for Fox Sports as an analyst.
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