AJ McCarron: MVP On and Off the Field

You didn't see three-year-old Starla Chapman at the BCS Championship Game. But her mother says she was there - in the heart and mind of Alabama's Starting Quarterback.

"AJ wanted us to know his thoughts were with us, even though he had to fly out to New Orleans for the game," said mother DeAndra Chapman.

Starla Chapman isn't just any ordinary little girl. She's fighting a life and death battle against acute myeloid leukemia. She was diagnosed in September of 2011 when she was only two years old.

But her parents say there's so much more that defines her.

"When she was born she was just a special angel," said father Korey Chapman. "Never knowing that she would have this later on down the road,"

"She is very spiritually sound," said DeAndra Chapman. "Very aware of who God is. And she just has the most bubbly personality you would ever come across in a three-year-old, especially during this situation."

Over Christmas, this self-proclaimed "Die-Hard Alabama Family" got the chance to meet their Crimson Tide MVP. AJ McCarron brought Starla some Christmas gifts. She gave him one of her support bracelets. McCarron promised to wear Starla's bracelet during the BCS Championship, and he did. Rumor has it, the little girl with cancer helped him play one of the best games of his career.

"We've been told numerous times by his mom that he plays off of emotions," said DeAndra Chapman. "Was he thinking about Starla at that time? Maybe he was."

The resilience of Starla Chapman and her family has inspired beyond the 'Bama Nation, taking the spirit of football culture to a new emotional level.

"There are going to be times where we are going to be broken down," said her father. "But like she said, just trust. We actually have to practice what we have been teaching her. So it's just a test of our faith."

The Chapman's believe strongly in the power of prayer. They're hoping you will help them pray for a miracle in the recovery of their little girl. If you'd like to get involved, you can find a link to the "Team Starla" Facebook Support Group in the Related Links on the right side of this article.