He is an Auburn University alumnus, but Charles Barkley is one of the best overall people.
Barkley watched his Tigers suffer a 24-27 heart-breaking loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl, but he has nothing but respect for how the Crimson Tide got it done at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Jalen Milroe, a sophomore quarterback, found wide receiver Isaiah Bond in the back corner of the end zone on fourth down with 31 yards to go in the fourth quarter. The play, known as “Fourth & Thirty-One” or “Gravedigger,” happened with 43 seconds left in regulation. Milroe kept Alabama’s College Football Playoff hopes alive, and his father — Quentin — celebrated in the stands. Milroe went on to deliver the Tide to a Southeastern Conference title.
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Nov 25, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Alabama won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
He now has Alabama in CFP preparing for Michigan in the Rose Bowl, but Barkley had a special tribute to Milroe’s parents on Friday via The Next Round Show. Barkley, a member of the 2006 College Basketball Hall of Fame, had nothing but praise for Milroe.
“I’m still trying to figure out why we had a spy on 4th & 31…”
Charles Barkley still isn’t over the Iron Bowl and after wishing them luck in the Playoff, he let Jalen Milroe’s parents know 🤣@AlabamaFTBL @JalenMilroe @CFBPlayoff @FoldsofHonor pic.twitter.com/EszujhQ6MB
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) December 15, 2023
“I am so proud of your son for what he has accomplished,” Barkley said to Milroe’s parents. “Good luck in the playoff. I’m still trying to figure out why we had a spy on 4th and 31. I was sitting there with Takeo Spikes, and he says ‘yeah man they are rushing two guys and they got a spy like he’s going to run 31 to 41 yards’, and I’m like ‘this is the worst defensive game plan in the history of college football.’ But you know what, your son made a helluva throw, it was a helluva catch, and you have to take your hat off to him. He made a helluva throw and it was a helluva catch so as disappointed as I was, you have to say congratulations.”
Barkley was one of the greatest basketball players to come through Auburn and the National Basketball Association.
The 60-year-old is also one of the best commentators in the business too. He has watched Milroe’s growth from the beginning of the season to now, and knows the native Texan has a shot to win a national championship.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
