Milroe – a two-year Crimson Tide starter who was selected by theSeattle Seahawksin the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft – spoke about Simpson's NFL future in an interview atthe 2026 New Balance Kickoff, an event at which Milroe was officially announced as the company's newest NFL athlete partner.
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"I'm so excited for him to be able to achieve a dream," Milroe told USA TODAY Sports.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
Milroe and Simpson overlapped for three seasons at Alabama, with both playing behindBryce Youngin 2022 before Milroe was installed as the starter in 2023.
Simpson initially battledTyler Buchnerfor the primary backup job behind Milroe but won it early in the 2023 campaign. Simpson also spent the 2024 season operating in that capacity before emerging as a starter in his fourth and final season at Alabama.
Milroe lauded the growth he saw from Simpson – who completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in his lone season as a college starter – across time with the Crimson Tide and credited him for staying the course even as he was sparingly used.
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"Him staying patient, trusting the process, that's so important," Milroe said of Simpson.
Milroe noted patience has been a defining trait for many of the Alabama quarterbacks who have made it to the NFL in recent seasons. Specifically, he referenced a chain of NFL talents –Tua Tagovailoa,Mac Jonesand Young – sitting behind established starters for a season or two before getting a chance to lead the team themselves.
That's one of the reasons Milroe believes Simpson's success, after three years of waiting, is all the sweeter.
"We all had to wait our time to get on the field," Milroe said. "For him to be able to do that and have success, I'm so excited for him to be able to achieve the goal he wanted to accomplish once he stepped on campus."
Milroe will be keeping a keen eye on where Simpson lands as the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer. Regardless of where his former teammate ends up,the Super Bowl 60 championacknowledged "it's gonna be cool" when their teams first play against one another.
"Then, I'll be able to see him after the game and embrace him," Milroe said. "So, I'm excited for him."
