Ty Simpson’s Journey to Success: From Hunting to Football
Ty Simpson, the Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, has always been known for his persistence and determination. Growing up in Tennessee, Simpson learned the value of hard work and patience from his father, Jason, who is the head coach of Tennessee-Martin.
Simpson’s persistence was forged in a small tree stand on a cold morning in Tennessee. At just 7 years old, Simpson sat silently with his father, waiting for hours to catch a deer. Despite the freezing cold and the temptation to give up, Simpson never wavered. When the moment finally arrived, Simpson was ready, picking up his rifle and dropping his first deer from 150 yards out.
This display of discipline was an early sign of Simpson’s patient road to success. Fifteen years later, Simpson finds himself coming off another long wait. After signing with the Crimson Tide as the No. 3 pro-style quarterback in the 2022 class, Simpson served in a backup role to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe over the past three seasons.
Des
pite the challenges and setbacks, Simpson stuck around, remaining rooted in Tuscaloosa even after Milroe beat him out for the starting job in 2023. Now, in his fourth season, Simpson enters the spring poised to step into Alabama’s starting quarterback role.
Those familiar with Simpson expect him to be ready for his shot. His father, Jason, describes him as “kind of obsessive” when it comes to his passions, whether it’s football, hunting, or even cooking. Simpson’s constant quacking while practicing duck-calling drove his mother, Julie, nuts, but it paid off when he mastered the call and earned the trust of the elders in his hunting group.
Simpson’s competitiveness and perfectionism have also served him well on the football field. Growing up around the game, Simpson would often draw up plays on his own and memorize formations. His former athletic director, Bucky Haskins, describes him as a “perfectionist” who takes pride in everything he does, from cooking steaks to leading his team on the field.
Despite facing setbacks and embarrassment, including a memorable mistake during his redshirt freshman season, Simpson has proven himself to be resilient. His family affectionately calls him a “resilient little turd” for his ability to bounce back from adversity.
As Simpson prepares to take on the starting quarterback role, those around him are confident that he will be ready. With his persistence, determination, and obsessive personality, Simpson is poised to lead the Crimson Tide to success
