He was one of multiple players that spoke to reporters on Wednesday, but he shared something valuable.
Jalen Milroe, a sophomore, is in the College Football Playoff with the University of Alabama as a first-year starting quarterback in the Southeastern Conference. He watched Bryce Young lead the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship and a berth in the CFP National Championship Game during his freshman season in 2021. Milroe, a native Texan, has made the most of his opportunity this year — propelling the Tide back to a conference title and the CFP.
He is a permanent team captain and Most Valuable Player, creating a motto “LANK” with Terrion Arnold that has Alabama peaking at the right time. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder is having fun in California; however, Milroe took a moment to acknowledge to the media his biggest inspiration at the quarterback position.
RELATED: Jalen Hurts comments on Jalen Milroe’s development this season
Milroe chose an Alabama legend and someone whose leadership, confidence, and playing style resembles his.
Jalen Milroe talks about who his biggest inspiration is @abc3340 pic.twitter.com/4XFVy7mcEf
— Chris McCulley (@ChrisMcCulleyTV) December 27, 2023
“Jalen Hurts is my true inspiration,” Milroe said. “Because through everything he always kept a smile on his face and a chip on his shoulder. When everybody turned their backs on him, he saw the bigger purpose in his future. And he’s a man of faith. You can’t beat a man that’s a man of faith. That’s someone who I love a lot. I have a connection with him. I consider him my brother. J Hurts, I applaud him because who he is as a person, not too many people could be like.”
Powerful words from Milroe, especially to someone that went through adversity like he did.
Jalen Hurts earned the starting job at quarterback for Alabama as a freshman in 2016 after his performance against Southern California to open the year. He won SEC Freshman of the Year and SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Hurts, a native Texan, made plays with his feet and his arm — leading the Tide to an SEC Championship, Peach Bowl victory, and nearly a CFP National Championship.
He guided Alabama back to the CFP National Championship Game in the 2017 season, but Hurts was benched in the second half for freshman Tua Tagovailoa against Georgia.
Hurts became a major help for Tagovailoa and despite losing the job to him, Hurts remained with high character.
RELATED: Jalen Milroe heard yelling “Give me the Heisman” after late win over Auburn
His mindset allowed him to have success at Alabama, Oklahoma (2019), and now in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles. Milroe quoted Hurts after earning MVP honors in the SEC Championship matchup versus Georgia.
Both guys have love and respect for each other.
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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.
