FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Former University of Alabama football player Tyrone Prothro will be at Page & Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, on Feb. 20, from 2-6 p.m., to sign copies of “Catch & Hold: Five Keys to Strength, Success and Secure Happiness.”

Prothro was a small football player, but in the 2005 college football season, he was a big man for the Alabama Crimson Tide, playing wide receiver, deep back on punt return and receiver on specialty teams.

He was deeply loved by fans and among the most beloved players in college sports history.

In its fifth game, the Crimson Tide was undefeated, and Tyrone made a catch so impossible, so phenomenal, that ESPN ranked it higher than any catch in the history of college football and awarded Prothro the coveted ESPY play of the year award — over every player in every sport at every level.

Two weeks after making “The Catch,” Prothro completely severed both major bones in his left leg between the ankle and kneecap in one of the most gruesome accidents in televised sports history.

As he was wheeled off the field on a stretcher, he raised both arms in the air and cheered on his team. Millions of fans literally cried in the stands, in sports bars, and in their homes.

After his first surgery, Prothro’s leg became infected. Repeated surgeries were required, and he struggled to be able to use his left leg again.

The condition of his leg prevented him from returning to the game as a player.

Prothro lacked clear direction, but he stayed in school, finished his bachelor’s degree.

As a player, he would never return to the game of football, but he continues to excel at the game of life.

Prothro is a graduate of the University of Alabama, and is pursuing a career in coaching.

In “Catch & Hold,” he presents the bedrock principles that have kept him strong in tragedy and triumph.

For more information, call (251) 928-5295.