Ty Simpson’s Decision to Go Pro Despite Lucrative Offers
It seems that all the financial incentives in college football weren’t enough to sway Ty Simpson from pursuing his NFL dreams.
While schools like Tennessee, Miami, and Ole Miss were ready to throw significant money at the Alabama quarterback, Simpson remained calm about entering the transfer portal for another college season. Yet, it didn’t mean he didn’t think about it, perhaps more than once.
In a recent interview, Simpson mentioned that Ole Miss was inundated with proposals, with Miami and Tennessee reportedly offering him a staggering $4 million before Ole Miss ultimately matched that offer.
Tennessee had even hinted at offering up to $5 million, while Miami surpassed them all, willing to go as high as $6.5 million.
“Miami was quick to say, ‘Alright, let’s move on,’ but after losing to Sam Leavitt, they came back with those hefty figures,” Simpson explained. “Then, Ole Miss reached out again, offering to match.”
The vast sums involved led to some inner conflict for the quarterback, leaving him “stomach-wrenched” over the decision.
He also shared that a piece of advice from his former coach, Nick Saban, played a role in his ultimate choice. Saban had asked him, “If no one offered you anything, what would you choose? Do you want to keep playing college football, or move on to the NFL?”
Last week, the Alabama star announced his intention to enter the NFL Draft, and he recently reassured Crimson Tide coaches Karen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb of his commitment to turn pro.
Simpson was clear about why he ultimately decided against the eye-watering offers. “I told them I was offered those deals, but I couldn’t do it. This is about what Alabama means to me and the legacy I’ve built here,” he reflected. “People might just see me as the guy who took big bucks and left for Miami or Tennessee. But I was a captain. My legacy is cemented here.”
Sadly, he concluded by noting, “We would have lost everything we built in Alabama.”
Simpson concluded his time with the Crimson Tide, leading them to an 11-4 record, accumulating 305 passes, 3,567 yards, and 28 touchdowns. The team made it to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, only to be defeated by Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
