- McKinnon, 32, also has a bachelor's degree in psychological sciences.
- Knights backrower crippled after one inning in 2014
Former NRL star Alex McKinnon has revealed his next big challenge after being paralyzed following a horror tackle in a match against Melbourne in 2014.
McKinnon, 32, posted an Instagram Story on Thursday, confirming that he is about to start studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Newcastle University.
It comes after the former Newcastle Knights backrower recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychological science 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 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 horrific incident.
McKinnon, famous for his determination, finally let go of his anger and traded football boots for textbooks.
Former NRL star Alex McKinnon has revealed the next challenge of his life after being left 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 she is about to start studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Newcastle University.
The former 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 a quadriplegic after suffering a spinal cord injury in a 2014 match against the Melbourne Storm.
Alex McKinnon is the father of 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 perfect myself as an athlete to compete.
And when all that is taken away from you, it destroys your soul. Not only do you lose your identity, but all that hard work you've put in is now worthless.
“So basically you have to start over.”
McKinnon admitted that he “doubted his ability” to succeed academically and that he felt “surreal” after completing his degree.
His passion for psychology arose from having previously worked as part of Knight's recruiting team.
After separating from his wife Teigan Power in 2022 after five years of marriage, McKinnon found love again with his new partner Lily Malone.
The couple met in college, where Malone was studying for a degree in social work.
He also worked for Fox Sports as an analyst.