Alex McKinnon marks an incredible milestone in his life with his glamorous girlfriend and daughters as he graduates from university
- Was a rising NRL star with Newcastle Knights
- A failed tackle left him paralyzed
- Now celebrated a huge new achievement with loved ones
Former NRL star Alex McKinnon has shared heartwarming photos of himself with his family and partner celebrating a life-changing event.
McKinnon has officially graduated from Newcastle University with a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences, a decade after a horror tackle ended his football dreams – and life as he knew it.
The 32-year-old was a promising NRL player for the Newcastle Knights until his career tragically ended on March 24, 2014.
The Knights forward suffered a serious spinal cord injury during a match against the Melbourne Storm in a botched tackle that caused fractures to his C4 and C5 vertebrae.
The injury left him quadriplegic at the age of just 22.
In 2015, McKinnon became engaged to his long-term partner, Teigan Power, and they married in 2017. The couple welcomed three children, Harriet Ann and twins Audrey and Violet, but their marriage ended in 2022.
McKinnon is pictured with his girlfriend Lily Malone, who arrived with a large bouquet of flowers to congratulate her friend on her graduation from university
McKinnon was a promising NRL player with the Newcastle Knights until his accident in 2014
However, McKinnon has found new love with 22-year-old Lily Malone, with the pair confirming their romance in March.
Malone, McKinnon’s eldest daughter Harriet Ann and his parents Scott and Kate were by his side at his graduation, with Lily posting “Proud is an understatement” along with a love heart emoji.
McKinnon posted ‘who would have thought’ with a graduation mortarboard emoji on a post that was liked and commented on by a host of NRL stars and loved ones.
“Good job mate,” posted former St. George Illawarra Dragons utility Jake Marketo.
‘Congratulations buddy! Great performance,” added former Knights star Billy Peden.
“Going to college is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life,” McKinnon previously said.
“One of the biggest frustrations when I got injured was that I had spent my entire life, 22 years, trying to refine myself as an athlete in order to compete.
“And to have all that taken away from you is soul-destroying. Not only will you lose your identity, but all that hard work you put in is now worthless.
McKinnon smiles as he receives his Bachelor of Psychological Science degree
McKinnon celebrates his graduation with eldest daughter Harriet Ann and his parents Scott and Kate
‘Of course I have learned lessons along the way, but I can no longer use all those tools that I did learn. So you actually have to start over.’
Following his 2014 injury, McKinnon underwent extensive rehabilitation to regain limited mobility and independence.
The NRL launched the Rise for Alex campaign in 2014, raising money to support his ongoing care and recovery.
Determined to make a difference, McKinnon became an advocate for spinal injury awareness and worked to raise money for medical research and rehabilitation services.
McKinnon remained associated with rugby league, joining the Newcastle Knights coaching and recruitment staff to contribute off the field.
In 2020, he published his autobiography, Unbroken, in which he told his story of injuries, recovery and resilience.
He has also participated in public speaking engagements and charity events, using his experiences to inspire others.
McKinnon continues to advocate for spinal research and remains an active figure in the rugby league community.