By Mmesoma 
When the spotlight was fixed on Jalen Milroe during Alabama’s high-stakes 2024 season, backup quarterback Ty Simpson was quietly absorbing every moment from the sidelines. While many fans focused on Milroe’s explosive runs and game-saving throws, Simpson was watching, learning, and evolving — not just as a quarterback, but as a leader.
Now stepping into a larger role with spring practices underway and a new season looming, Simpson is opening up about what it meant to back up a player who became the face of the Crimson Tide’s resilience.
“He taught me more than just football,” Simpson said during a recent media availability. “It was the way he handled pressure, the way he brought the team together — Jalen showed me what it really means to lead.”
Milroe’s journey from doubted starter to Alabama’s dynamic playmaker inspired more than just fans. For Simpson, watching Milroe stay poised during tough SEC matchups and respond to criticism with maturity was a masterclass in mental toughness.
“You don’t understand how much goes into being that guy until you watch someone live it every single day,” Simpson added. “Whether it was staying late in the film room or hyping guys up after practice, Jalen set a standard.”
While the quarterback room was competitive, Simpson said it never felt hostile. Instead, Milroe welcomed him as a younger brother, offering advice, breaking down game film together, and pushing each other to grow. It was a mentorship that shaped Simpson’s preparation and mindset.
Now with Milroe off to the NFL, Simpson is the frontrunner for Alabama’s starting job. And though he’s ready to step into the limelight, he knows he’s carrying forward a legacy shaped by the man who came before him.
“I’m not trying to be Jalen,” Simpson said with a grin. “But I’ll take everything I learned from him and lead in my own way. That’s what Alabama quarterbacks do — we build on each other.”
As the Tide reloads for another championship run, fans will be watching Simpson closely. But if Milroe’s mentorship is any indication, Alabama’s future under center is in good hands.