Alabama Quarterback Jalen Milroe Defies Doubters, Thrives as Starter
ICARO Media Group
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has proven his doubters wrong as he leads his team to the College Football Playoff and finishes sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. The journey to success wasn't always smooth for Milroe, who revealed that his former offensive coordinator, Bill O'Brien, had advised him against playing as a quarterback.
In a pre-Rose Bowl press conference held in Los Angeles, Milroe recalled O'Brien suggesting various positions he could switch to. However, he chose to stay true to himself and pursue his passion for playing quarterback. Milroe confidently stated, "Look where I'm at right now. So who gets the last laugh?"
When asked how he reacted to O'Brien's advice, Milroe fired back at a reporter, saying, "How would you feel if I told you you suck?" Clearly, the quarterback took the criticism to heart but used it as motivation to prove his abilities.
Milroe acknowledged that he had faced skepticism throughout his life, as people continually told him he shouldn't play quarterback. However, he found inspiration in these doubts and used them as fuel to excel in his chosen position. He emphasized the importance of staying true to himself and being unwavering in the face of criticism.
O'Brien served as Alabama's offensive coordinator during the 2021 and 2022 seasons while Milroe served as the backup to Bryce Young. O'Brien has since returned to the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.
Despite not fitting the traditional mold of a quarterback, Milroe has defied expectations. He admits that people often saw him as a defensive back or a tight end, but he remained determined to succeed as a quarterback. Working on his passing skills has been a top priority for Milroe, recognizing that it is a crucial element of his game as a quarterback.
Milroe, listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, corrected his size to approximately 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. He was ranked as the 14th-rated quarterback in the 2021 class by 247 Sports and hails from Texas as a four-star prospect.
This season, Milroe stepped into the starting role and made an impact, earning recognition as All-SEC second team by the Associated Press. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed disbelief at the progress he has made and the doubters he has proved wrong. Milroe's resilience and determination have not only propelled him but have also brought tremendous success to his team.
As Alabama heads into the College Football Playoff, Milroe remains focused on continuing to excel and be the best version of himself on the field. Despite facing doubt and criticism, he has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, proving that hard work and self-belief can lead to great achievements.
This story serves as a reminder that even when faced with adversity and doubt, perseverance and self-confidence can lead to remarkable outcomes.