Some players go pro and flex with diamond chains or a Lambo straight out of the lot. But when Jalen Milroe got that call? Nah—he went straight for the heart. No gimmicks, no flash. Just pure love. And in a moment that had folks online sniffling into their hoodies, he dropped one of the realest post-draft answers we’ve seen in years. Even Ole Miss HC, Lane Kiffin, had to show respect with a short but loud nod that said everything it needed to. You can’t coach that type of soul.

Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe officially became a Seahawk on April 26, taken 92nd overall in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Seattle may have grabbed him for his diabolical upside potential, but they might’ve just drafted the soul of the class. Right after the pick was made, Jalen Milroe got hit with the typical rookie question: “What’s the first thing you wanna buy?” Most rookies would’ve gone for the obvious—cars, chains, a beach house in Malibu. Jalen Milroe didn’t even flinch. “I wanna calculate all the miles, all the money my parents spent in college. I’m going to give it back.” Straight from the gut. And just like that, the internet broke into applause.

And it didn’t stop there. Lane Kiffin, never shy on social media, saw the clip and jumped on IG with a 2-word post that echoed what we were all thinking: “Love this!!” On April 29. Even though Lane Kiffin’s crew had to deal with Milroe on the field, off the field? Respect was due.

Now let’s talk about Milroe’s people for a second, ‘cause they’re the backbone of this whole thing. Quentin and Lola Milroe did not miss games—period. Texas to Tuscaloosa became a lifestyle. Rain, snow, whatever. They were there. Quentin served in Iraq, now works at the VA. Lola was in the Navy. Real ones. They didn’t just raise a quarterback—they raised a man who knew where he came from and wasn’t afraid to say thank you on the biggest night of his life.

Back in 2024, Jalen Milroe gave big-time props to his parents on Ryan Clark’s Pivot Podcast: “I gotta credit my parents because there was nothing I wanted growing up. Everything was provided for me. I had clothes. I had everything I wanted to growing up. So therefore when it came to having money now in college. I ain’t know what to do with it. Because I had everything I needed growing up. I had great parents.” Talk about an ideal son.

And don’t get it twisted—Milroe wasn’t out here struggling. He had a full ride at Alabama, didn’t pay a dime for tuition, housing, meals, none of it. Still, he felt that debt. That emotional bill? He’s paying it forward. The man even won the William V. Campbell Trophy last year—the academic Heisman—and graduated with a 3.52 GPA in sports management. Bama fans know what time it is—Milroe earned every second of that draft moment. And now, he’s clocked a 4-year deal projected around $6.2 million with the Seahawks.

Jalen Milroe: The best pound-for-pound QB pick in the NFL draft?

Now let’s spin it forward. Seattle might’ve just walked away with the steal of the entire draft, if things go right. Yeah, we said it. Cam Ward’s first-round cash is cute, but let’s talk pound-for-pound value. Milroe landed in the third, but with a ceiling that could break the roof off Lumen Field. The Seahawks had already loaded up early—beefed up the O-line and reinforced their secondary—but when pick 92 came around, they couldn’t pass on Milroe. And honestly, how could they? His passing might be raw as sushi, but his upside is crazy.

NFL writer Daniel Flick put it like this in his SI draft breakdown: “Milroe is an incredibly fun project with the arm strength and athleticism to be a high-level NFL starting quarterback, He’s just not close to that level right now. But that’s a fine bet to take late in the third round, especially with Sam Darnold—coming off a career year with the Minnesota Vikings that he parlayed into a big contract in Seattle—entrenched as the starter.” Translation: He ain’t ready yet, but when he hits? Watch out. This kid could turn into something wild.

Seattle already signed Sam Darnold and Drew Lock in free agency, so quarterback wasn’t exactly a glaring need. But if you’re thinking long-term, Milroe makes perfect sense. He doesn’t need to start on Day 1. Let Darnold hold it down while Milroe cooks behind the scenes. And when it’s his time? Oh, it’s curtains for the NFC West.

Most young QBs get thrown into the fire, sink or swim. But Milroe’s walking into a setup tailor-made for growth. And if we’re being honest? Seattle’s gamble might end up looking genius in a year or two. Let’s not forget—Milroe ain’t just a baller. He’s a story. Look, from Katy to Tuscaloosa to the big leagues. From military kid to Bama graduate. From NIL confusion to NFL bag. And through it all, the one thing that’s never changed is his loyalty. To his folks. To his grind. And to the game. So yeah, Lane Kiffin said it best. Love this.

Because sometimes, even in a business as cold as the NFL, a real one gets drafted.