Ty Simpson’s Alabama Journey Wasn’t Legendary-But It Was Worth Respecting
Ty Simpson didn’t take the easy road. In an era where quarterbacks are quick to hit the transfer portal at the first sign of a depth chart setback, Simpson stuck it out at Alabama. He waited three years behind other QBs, trusted the process, and when his moment finally came, he delivered a solid season under center for one of college football’s most demanding programs.
At the Senior Bowl this weekend, Simpson reflected on that decision, saying, “The last thing I wanted to do was tarnish my legacy and go somewhere else where I didn't go out of high school and I didn't want to play.” It was a revealing quote-one that offered a glimpse into how he viewed his journey in Tuscaloosa.
Now, let’s be clear: Simpson was good. In his lone year as the Crimson Tide’s starter, he threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
That’s efficient, poised quarterback play in the heart of the SEC gauntlet. He led Alabama to an 11-4 record, and while the season ended on a sour note with a lopsided loss to Indiana, Simpson showed enough to earn a shot at the next level.
But when we talk about legacies at Alabama, we’re talking about a different echelon. This is a program that’s been home to Heisman winners, national champions, and game-changers-players whose names are stitched into the very fabric of college football history.
Think Shaun Alexander, DeVonta Smith, Derrick Henry. These are players who not only dominated on the field but helped define eras of Alabama football.
Simpson’s time in Tuscaloosa doesn’t quite rise to that level-and that’s okay. Not every player has to be legendary to be appreciated.
What Simpson did was carve out a respectable, hard-earned chapter in one of the most competitive programs in the country. He didn’t bolt when things got tough.
He didn’t look for shortcuts. He waited, he worked, and when his shot came, he made the most of it.
That kind of patience and perseverance is rare in today’s game. And while it may not land him in the Alabama football pantheon, it speaks volumes about his character. He may not have left a legacy that echoes through Bryant-Denny Stadium for generations, but he did leave behind a model of how to handle adversity the right way.
As he now turns his focus to the NFL, Simpson carries with him the lessons of a tough, disciplined college career. He’s not just another quarterback hoping to make a roster-he’s a guy who’s been tested, who knows how to wait his turn, and who understands what it means to fight for your opportunity.
So no, Ty Simpson won’t go down as an Alabama legend. But he did something plenty of fans and coaches still value: he showed up, stayed the course, and gave everything he had when his number was called. And in today’s college football landscape, that’s worth more than a few headlines.