If you're from Alabama, particularly Birmingham, chances are high that you know who Tim Alexander is. For those who are unfamiliar with Alexander's story, it's one of determination, hard work and inspiration.
In 2006, Alexander was in a car wreck that initially left him paralyzed from the neck down. Through physical therapy and treatment over time, he was able to regain feeling and use of his upper body. Alexander -- who was once a football star on the rise -- graduated from UAB in 2015 and now works as the school's director of character development.
UAB returned to the gridiron Saturday for the first time since the program was shut down in 2014. Alexander, who is credited as one of the people most responsible for getting the program back on its feet, took part in the opening day festivities.
.@UAB_FB legend #TimAlexander gets up from wheelchair & walks game ball to midfield.
— Rick Karle (@RickKarle) September 2, 2017
Gotta be America's top play on #SCtop10 #UAB #SamHunt pic.twitter.com/15VM8ADFvl
Alexander showed why he's such an integral part of the UAB team, inspiring the crowd and his players as he stood up from his wheelchair and walked to midfield to deliver the game ball. UAB went on to defeat Alabama A&M 38-7.
ESPN's Marty Smith sat down with Alexander earlier in the week to discuss what it means to see the UAB football team playing again.
"No is not an option if you can truly believe," Alexander said.
-- Meaghan Latella