‘Love You’: Ty Simpson Receives NFL Motivation Minutes Before First Alabama Start vs FSU

“If we’re playing a football game tomorrow. Ty Simpson would start.”  It’s just a few hours away now, the moment Alabama fans have been waiting on all offseason. All eyes are on Alabama’s Ty Simpson as he prepares to make his much-anticipated debut start against Florida State. Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer, emphasized that while this will be Simpson’s first game as a starter, he doesn’t see him as a rookie. As kickoff approaches today at Doak Campbell Stadium, everyone will be eager to see if Ty can turn years of preparation and promise into the star-making performance Alabama fans hope for.

But it’s not just the fans who are buzzing about Simpson’s debut. His journey has caught the attention of people who know him well. Like former Alabama teammate Tyler Booker, who is now grinding in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Booker entered Alabama’s program at the same time as Simpson back in 2022. He wasted no time in reaching out to his former teammate when Simpson was officially named the starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener against Florida State. Simpson has spoken about how much Booker’s message meant to him. Booker’s call came with a hint of pride and a dash of humor.

“I better be at the draft like you were with me,” Booker said to Simpson. Booker’s message to Simpson symbolizes that support from someone who knows the grind firsthand, having been in the trenches both literally and figuratively. Before the game, Booker sent Simpson a message of encouragement. “We have been talking about this day for years, brother,” Booker writes. “Take advantage of this opportunity and leave it all out there! Love you, brother.” The connection between these two Alabama alums goes beyond just football.

One of the funniest moments came when Booker experienced his first NHL game, a far cry from the football field. Watching hockey live was a new world for Booker. And Simpson, on the other hand, is known for being composed on the field. He got an entertaining peek into his buddy’s new, curious, and enthusiastic side off the football field. In addition to his social media shoutout, Booker’s influence echoes in the locker room culture Simpson now leads. That’s because the two carry the legacy of their recruiting class in different but connected ways. For Simpson, this starting role is a major accomplishment, and there are obvious reasons for that.

Growing up as a coach’s son, Ty was no stranger to the game’s demands. Unlike many five-star recruits who leap to stardom quickly, Ty spent three seasons quietly waiting behind stars like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. It was a major test of patience. And Booker saw Simpson’s journey firsthand and respected how he didn’t rush or transfer despite the competition. Now, as Simpson prepares for his first start against Florida State, that years-long journey. That is from a coach’s son in Tennessee to Alabama’s QB. It feels like his patience has finally paid off.

Ty Simpson got the stamp of approval from the GOAT

Nick Saban has “all the respect in the world” for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, and it’s easy to see why. Simpson’s path to becoming Alabama’s starting QB is not your typical story of instant stardom and flash. Simpson arrived at Alabama as a five-star recruit under Saban’s watch but spent three years patiently waiting behind other star quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe without starting a single game.

In today’s era of college football, where players often transfer quickly in search of immediate playing time, Ty’s choice to stay and wait his turn was pretty much unheard of. Saban specifically honored that kind of persistence and loyalty. On “The Pat McAfee Show,” he called Ty “a great young man.”  That’s because he really admires players who wait for their time and soak up the game until that time comes within the program rather than chasing quick glory.

Saban also praised Simpson’s mental makeup. See, many young players today get frustrated when things don’t go their way. They show bad body language, which is bad for themselves and the team. Ty has worked hard to stay focused on the next play, not letting mistakes or setbacks rattle him. And that’s something Saban called “the big thing Ty has had to work through.” Though Simpson has limited playing time. But with 16 relief appearances, no touchdowns, and no interceptions, Saban sees a quarterback with all the tools needed to lead Alabama.