Ty Simpson Declares for NFL Draft Amid $6.5 Million Offers from College Programs

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has made the decision to enter the NFL Draft, turning down lucrative offers from several top college football programs including Tennessee, Miami, and Ole Miss. Despite substantial financial incentives, Simpson’s commitment to his legacy at Alabama played a crucial role in his decision-making process.

High-Stakes Offers from Major Universities

In a recent interview with On3, Simpson revealed the staggering amounts of money being thrown his way by college programs looking to secure his services.

• Tennessee: Offered up to $5 million.
• Miami: Initially made a generous bid of $6.5 million.
• Ole Miss: Then joined the bidding war, offering a competitive amount in the same range.

Simpson noted, “Miami was kind of like, ‘All right, we’re moving on,’ and then they lost out on Sam Leavitt and came back with that big number.” The competition among these schools was fierce, as they sought to lure him back to college football for one more year.

A Difficult Decision

While the offers were enticing, they also made the decision for Simpson increasingly difficult. He admitted to experiencing a “knot in my stomach” as he contemplated his future.

Simpson reflected on a conversation with his former coach Nick Saban, who urged him to consider his true desires apart from financial gain:

“Take the money out of it. If everybody was offering you zero dollars, what would you want to do?”

Ultimately, this piece of advice helped him clarify his priorities.

Commitment to Alabama

On Tuesday, Simpson reassured his coaches, including Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb, that he would be turning pro. He expressed his concern about how moving for money could tarnish his legacy at Alabama:

“I was a captain. I put my hand and footprints in the cement at Denny Chimes. I would have lost everything that I built at Alabama.”

Simpson’s Legacy at Alabama

During his tenure, Ty Simpson led the Crimson Tide to an impressive 11-4 record. He completed 305 passes for 3,567 yards and threw 28 touchdowns. The team reached the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, ultimately facing Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

Conclusion

Simpson’s decision to prioritize his legacy over a financially lucrative college football opportunity underscores the intense pressures and dilemmas faced by young athletes today. With his sights set on the NFL, fans will be eager to see how his talent translates to the professional level.

For more on college football dynamics and player decisions, check out this article and stay updated on NFL Draft insight via NFL.com.