The life of a sports journalist is all about the grind—late nights, tight deadlines, and covering high-stakes games with relentless passion. But sometimes, the biggest story isn’t on the field. Sometimes, the biggest battle ain’t a fourth-quarter comeback—it’s a personal fight that blindsides even the toughest of us. That’s exactly what happened to Nick Kelly, a respected Alabama journalist and Heisman voter, who found himself in an unexpected battle. But instead of keeping it private, he took his story public in Paul Finebaum’s podcast. And in true sportswriter fashion, he did it with purpose—to raise awareness and help others.

In a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation on The Paul Finebaum Show, Kelly opened up about his recent testicular cancer diagnosis. “Yeah, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer early in the year,” Kelly revealed. “At 27, it’s the last thing you’re thinking about. But it turns out, it’s the most common type of cancer for young men. And I had no idea.” Kelly, known for covering Alabama football with precision and depth, never expected to be making headlines himself. But his willingness to share his journey wasn’t about him—it was about shining a light on an issue many overlook. “I feel superblessed,” he said, emphasizing his early diagnosis and remission. “I decided to share it because I hope that other people my age become aware of it.”

Paul Finebaum, the legendary SEC analyst and talk show host, took a moment to reflect on Kelly’s journey, admiring his resilience and dedication to turning a personal hardship into a public service. “Nick, you’ve had so many things going on in your life,” Finebaum said. “We got very close during the final days of Cecil Hurt’s life. You got married a couple of years ago, and now this. But even with all that, you’re still intent on making sure others understand and maybe even save their own lives.” Kelly’s response?

Pure determination. “I think we hear so much from coaches about the mental game with their athletes,” he explained. “And some of it feels like a cliché, but when you go through something like this, you realize how much mental toughness really matters.”

The parallels between sports and life are endless. Just like a team facing adversity, Kelly approached his diagnosis with a game plan: stay positive, stay informed, and use his platform to help others. “Before I even knew how bad it was or wasn’t, I asked myself, ‘How can I find the good in this?’” he shared. That mindset—something often drilled into athletes—is what helped him navigate one of the toughest challenges of his life.

And the impact has been immediate. Since going public with his diagnosis and remission, Kelly has received an outpouring of support from across the sports world. But even more importantly, he’s heard from people who were inspired to take their health more seriously. “Even if just one person gets helped by me talking about this, it’s all worth it.”

Nick Kelly: The journalist, the advocate

Nick Kelly has built a career on telling other people’s stories. As the Alabama beat writer for AL.com, he’s delivered in-depth coverage of the Crimson Tide, earning national recognition along the way. A University of Missouri graduate. Nick Kelly quickly climbed the ranks in sports journalism, even securing the prestigious Edward Aschoff Rising Star Award in 2024. But now, his most important story isn’t about a football dynasty—it’s about life itself.

Beyond writing, Kelly has made waves in the sports community through multiple media platforms. He co-hosts ‘The Bama Beat’ podcast, where he dissects Alabama football and basketball with expert insight. He’s also one of the select few entrusted with a Heisman Trophy vote—an honor that speaks volumes about his credibility in college football journalism. But now, his voice is carrying a different kind of message, one that transcends sports.

Cancer, especially testicular cancer, doesn’t always get the spotlight like other illnesses. And that’s exactly why Kelly decided to speak up. “We hear about prostate cancer all the time for older men,” he said. “But testicular cancer isn’t something that was really on my radar. And I know I’m not the only one.” His goal is simple: awareness. By sharing his story on a major platform like ‘The Paul Finebaum Show.’ He’s making sure that young men in particular know the risks, the signs, and the importance of early detection.

Nick Kelly is ain’t no stranger to covering high-stakes moments in college football, but this time, the stakes are much higher than a championship ring. His journey—from journalist to advocate—is a powerful reminder that awareness saves lives. Thanks to Paul Finebaum, his story is reaching countless listeners who might just take that extra step to check on their health. And that, more than any award or accolade, might just be the most important impact of his career.

Kelly’s story isn’t about a setback; it’s about a comeback. And just like the teams he covers. He’s proving that even in life’s toughest battles, resilience and awareness can lead to victory.