Jalen Milroe explains why he turned down multiple 'big-time offers' to remain at Alabama after Nick Saban's retirement
The most seismic impact in college football came down this offseason when Alabama coach Nick Saban announced his retirement and that he was stepping away after more than a decade leading the Crimson Tide.
That left things in flux for many players, not the least of whom was quarterback Jalen Milroe.
According to ESPN, Milroe fielded multiple “big-time offers” from other programs. Ultimately he decided to remain at Alabama, and he explained that decision on Thursday on ESPN’s First Take.
“No. 1 I didn’t want to make an emotional decision,” Milroe said. “Everything that I do, everything is thought out. And also not leaning on my own understanding. Faith really came into the picture when it came to that situation. Also family.
“I separate my life into three pillars: faith, family and football. That was something that was impacting my decision. No. 1 faith, two family, not leaning on my own understanding, just trying to get some advice through that process, because it was a hard decision.”
Though the offers were reportedly tantalizing, Milroe stayed put. And though there were one or two impact transfers out of the program following Nick Saban’s departure, for the most part Alabama was able to keep the roster intact.
Milroe indicated he never really seriously considered leaving, even with Nick Saban departing.
“Not at all. Not at all. So prior to going to college I told my parents, ‘Hey, no matter the situation, no matter if I start my first year in college, second year, third year, I’m going to get my degree in three years,'” Milroe explained. “And I was able to achieve that this past December. And at my graduation I gave a speech to everybody and I told them that of course I’m coming back, staying my next season in college, and I would get my Master’s degree next December despite any challenges. So this was before coach Saban retired, and I’m all about staying committed to my goals.
“My goal is to get my Master’s degree from the University of Alabama, and it’s definitely a hard task but with everything it’s all about goal-setting for yourself. And I just felt ultimately Alabama was the place I need to be at and nothing was going to allow me to move away from that.”
With Milroe returning, the goal for Alabama now is to return to the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide are as well-equipped as anyone to get there.
Of course, Nick Saban is picking someone else to reach the pinnacle in the SEC this year. Saban has Georgia and Texas reaching the conference title game.
That didn’t put Milroe off too much.
“No, he has his own opinion. Yeah, rat poison,” the starting quarterback laughed. “Yeah, it’s all good. I support coach Saban no matter what. This is his new career as far as getting into broadcasting, and opinions are all flying around the place with games like that.”
For his part, Milroe knows what it takes to get to the promised land. Nick Saban taught them how.
“It’s all about going 1-0, having continuous improvement when we approach the field, and every opportunity seizing it as a group,” Milroe said. “And one thing about time, you can’t get it back. So that is something that is emphasized as a group. Every opportunity we have to practice together, hang out together, why not seize it? And we’ve done a really good job of that through this offseason with the leaders stepping up and really just refocusing to what our goals are and just pushing and pushing and climbing the ladder.”