- McKinnon, 32, also has a degree in psychological science
- Knights backrower was left paralysed following 2014 tackle
Former NRL star Alex McKinnon has revealed his next great challenge after being left paralysed following a horror tackle in a game against Melbourne back in 2014.
McKinnon, 32, posted an Instagram story on Thursday, confirming he is about to commence studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the University of Newcastle.
It comes after the one-time Newcastle Knights backrower recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in psychological science from the same academic institution in NSW.
The father of three faced an uncertain future almost 11 years ago when he was told the shattering news it was unlikely he would ever walk again after he broke his spine in a three-man tackle against the Melbourne Storm.
McKinnon suffered fractures to his C4 and C5 vertebrae in the horror incident.
Famously determined, McKinnon eventually let go of his anger and swapped footy boots for text books.
Former NRL star Alex McKinnon has revealed his next life challenge after being paralysed following a horror tackle in a game back in 2014 (pictured, with partner Lily Malone)
McKinnon, 32, posted an Instagram story on Thursday, confirming he is about to commence studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the University of Newcastle
The one-time Newcastle Knights backrower recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in psychological science from the same academic institution
Ms Malone recently graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honour) with first class honours from Newcastle University
The former Newcastle Knights star was left a quadriplegic after he suffered a spinal cord injury in a 2014 match against the Melbourne Storm
Alex McKinnon co-parents his three daughters with ex-wife Teigan Power (pictured)
‘Going to university has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life,’ McKinnon told The Daily Telegraph.
‘One of the biggest frustrations when I got injured was that I had spent my whole life trying to fine-tune myself as an athlete to compete.
‘And when all that gets taken away from you, it is soul destroying. Not only do you lose your identity, but all that hard work that you put in is now worth nothing.
‘So basically, you have to start again.’
McKinnon admitted he ‘doubted his ability’ to succeed academically, and it felt ‘surreal’ after completing his degree.
His passion for psychology stemmed from previously working as part of the Knight’s recruitment team.
After separating from his wife Teigan Power in 2022 after five years of marriage, McKinnon found love again in new partner Lily Malone.
The pair met at university, where Malone was studying for a degree in social work.
She has also worked for Fox Sports as an analyst.
