Charlie GoodeResilience. Determination. Humility. These three words describe Charlie Goode, 22, and his journey at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Goode, a UAB football player and an accounting major in the UAB Collat School of Business, faced significant challenges with his leg fracture in his junior year, halting his ability to play and excel in classes. He held his faith close and persevered through it with grace.
Now, Goode is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting on Saturday, Aug. 16, with a full-time job secured at a regional accounting firm. He will resume his UAB journey to receive his Master of Accounting degree this fall, putting him a step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a certified public accountant.
Goode, a Homewood, Alabama, native, has always been an athlete at heart. As a child, he played basketball and several other sports. Growing up, he started playing football, piquing his passion for the sport. While his sister pursued pharmacy and brother pursued geology, Goode’s interests stood out. His mother, Anna Goode, a UAB nursing graduate, and father, Dave Goode, a UAB accounting and finance graduate, wholeheartedly supported his interests.
When Goode graduated from high school, he was not sure where life would take him; but his heart called him to keep chasing football. Academically, he chose accounting, citing the security of a stable career.
“I did not have any offers out of high school,” Goode said. “COVID-19 caused many challenges for my recruiting class. I could not go to camps or get seen. But I decided to take a chance on myself.”
Goode’s high school coaches, who were well-connected to the UAB football staff, arranged his meeting with UAB’s offensive coordinator. Goode’s impressive portfolio and fire for the sport secured him a position as an inside linebacker and starting on UAB’s special teams.
In Goode’s first college game, he blocked a punt that led to the Blazers’ scoring a touchdown – his favorite memory and proudest accomplishment at UAB. Later that season, he blocked another punt, helping UAB secure bowl eligibility and a trip to the Bahamas Bowl.
A new chapter unlocked for Goode under Coach Trent Dilfer, who offered him a full scholarship after a strong spring performance.
“I had worked so hard to get there,” Goode said. “Getting that scholarship meant everything.”
A blow to Goode’s football momentum
"Football is what I do, but it’s not who I am." - Charlie GoodeGoode was excited to begin the 2023 season, but everything changed when he got injured and fractured his leg before week two in practice.
“I planted my foot and boom! My tibia, fibula and ankle all snapped,” Goode said. “It was completely shattered. I’m lucky it didn’t come through the skin.”
Goode was immediately taken to UAB Hospital Highlands, where he received seven screws and a 10-inch titanium rod in his leg. The screws were eventually removed, but the lingering pain led to the difficult decision to step away from playing.
“Charlie is the true definition of perseverance and an example of not letting circumstances affect his character,” Dilfer said. “After breaking his leg, Charlie did not waiver as a leader despite having something he loves taken away from him. He continued to be a tremendous teammate during an adverse time, and those life lessons will continue to propel him as a leader with his future endeavors.”
Goode’s anchors: Faith and community
The community and mentorship Goode found through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the friendship of Blazer quarterback Harrison Barker helped him navigate the emotional toll of injury and transition.
“Jarred Fonseca led FCA and changed my life, especially after I got hurt,” Goode said. “He helped put things in perspective that football is what I do, but it’s not who I am. He’s our team’s chaplain, mentor and friend. He reminded me that football doesn’t define me — God does. Harrison, my best friend, stuck with me through it all — I wouldn’t be able to do this without him.”
Despite Goode’s inability to play, he did not give up on his drive for football. He spent the 2024 season coaching alongside UAB’s strength and conditioning staff and helping on defense and special teams. He began coaching linebackers at Homewood High School, giving back to the alma mater program that shaped him.
“I wanted to coach with my high school defensive coordinator at least once before starting my accounting career because he made me into the football player I am,” Goode said.
Coming back stronger
Goode is resuming his UAB journey this fall, pursuing a Master of Accounting.Goode’s injury came at a time when his academics were at their peak intensity. He was in advanced, high-level accounting courses that demanded time and dedication.
“Balancing football and academics wasn’t easy, especially after the injury,” Goode said. “I fell behind in one of the toughest accounting courses, but my professors and advisors rallied around me and told me to take my time. Their support meant everything.”
Goode’s professors were impressed by his unwavering commitment to his academics.
“Charlie’s ability to overcome both physical and academic challenges speaks to his resilience and drive,” said Ryan Leece, Ph.D., associate professor of accounting. “Even while recovering from a serious leg injury, he approached his studies with quiet confidence, determination and a clear focus on his future.”
Reflecting on the grueling schedule of fall camp that involved early mornings, late nights and endless film sessions, he jokingly said, “It honestly makes you hate football for those three weeks. But you all suffer through it together. Looking back, those were some fun times.”
Goode did not let his circumstances deter him from excelling and shaping a successful future for himself. In spring 2025, he landed an opportunity to work at Warren Averett as an audit intern. Impressed by his work ethic, the firm offered him a full-time job starting in October 2026.
“You never know what life is going to throw at you,” Goode said. “Plans change. But it’s about how you respond, how you grow and how you keep moving forward.”