Meet Timothy!
Recently, Birmingham Mom Collective got up close and personal to talk football with Timothy Alexander. Timothy is an Emmy-award winner, author, speaker, and Birmingham native. He attended Erwin High School and was ranked the #8 high school football player in the state. Timothy had the opportunity to play for any college in the country; however, a terrible car accident during his senior year left him paralyzed from the neck down. From that point on, Timothy was left to find his purpose in life while paralyzed. While at UAB, he left a major impact by becoming the first paraplegic to receive a football scholarship.
On October 28, 2006, Timothy was given the smallest chance of survival following a life-changing car accident that left him in a vegetative state, with no feeling in his body from the neck down. Timothy overcame immense physical, emotional, and mental challenges to graduate high school and earn an associate’s degree from Wallace State Community College. That’s when he decided his commitment to football wasn’t over and reached out to UAB about joining the team.
Timothy graduated from UAB with a Master’s degree in Communication Management. His proudest moment came on July 18, 2016, when he was able to stand up on his own for the first time since being paralyzed.
Timothy shared a bit about life as a new dad to twins, his inspiring story, and his passion for all things football in our Q&A:
Tell us about yourself and your background in football.
After the car accident that left him paralyzed, Timothy still had a dream to play football at the next level. He reached out to the UAB coaching staff with a letter telling them about his dream to join the team. He was invited to attend a 5:00 a.m. practice, where he did everything the other guys did, just in his wheelchair. Having recently endured multiple challenges, he was determined to persevere and remain committed to his dream. The coach recognized his courage and faith and wanted him on the team. Described as the team’s “heartbeat,” his main desire as an athlete wasn’t his own success, but the team’s.
Years later, Timothy now works with numerous UAB athletic teams, including football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and track. In partnership with UAB, he helps guide student athletes in character development, career placement, and community outreach.
The Power of Coach Mom
As a new father to twins, Timothy expressed great appreciation for his wife and other mothers. In fact, he credits his own mother with being the best coach he ever had. “She got me to understand, ‘I can open the door for you, but it is you who must enter it yourself,'” Alexander said, quoting his mom. Although she doesn’t know much about football, her coaching and encouragement clearly made a big impact. “Everybody doesn’t have a mother in their life. Everybody doesn’t have a father in their life. . . Whoever your ‘mother’ figure is, that’s your guardian. My mom, she guided me. She encouraged me. She never felt sorry for me.” Rather than addressing him differently because of his wheelchair, Timothy’s mom had confidence in him and reminded him that while his situation may never change, his mindset could.
What are some of the benefits of playing football?
As someone introduced to the game of football at age five, Timothy has experienced its many benefits first-hand. First off, it can build a strong work ethic. As an athlete himself, he learned that success wasn’t about being the best, but about being willing to put in the work. It taught him to value excellence and responsibility. In his words, it helped him develop “the swagger and the confidence” to bring his A game every time.
What is your advice for a young person considering playing football?
“Don’t just try to be famous. Fame is like the flame of a candle; eventually it will go out. If you want to allow football to do something for you, have impact, have influence, go out there and make the world a better place. People love athletes. People love football, and football brings people together.”
What does the future of football look like?
To Timothy, the future of football is bright, and one of the biggest needs is coaches who inspire. Just as students remember great teachers, athletes remember great coaches. There is an opportunity to learn from both as a player. Coaches can play an important role by challenging and inspiring athletes, which will keep the future of football going strong.
