Former Alabama QB Ty Simpson Opens Up About the Tim Tebow Influence That Defined His Career

When people talk about Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, the conversation usually centers around his arm talent, his leadership, and the way he commands an offense.

But the story behind the player runs much deeper than stats or highlight throws.

For Simpson, the foundation of the toughness he brings to the field traces back to someone he watched as a kid: Tim Tebow.

Growing up, Simpson didn’t just admire Tebow for the way he played the game. He admired what he represented.

During a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, Simpson opened up about how watching Tebow shaped the way he approached football, and life.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Simpson said. “I really enjoyed watching Tim when I was a kid. I really enjoyed what he stood for. I think he made a difference. That’s kind of my morals and what I wanted to do at Alabama… make a difference and leave it better than where I found it.”

For Simpson, Tebow wasn’t just another great college quarterback.

He was the example of the type of competitor Simpson wanted to become; someone who played with grit, toughness, and conviction every single snap.

That influence even showed up in a small but meaningful detail: Simpson’s jersey number.

“I wore 15 because of him,” Simpson explained. “The grit that he played with, the toughness… that’s kind of what I bring to the table. Everything that he stood for is what I stand for.”

Years later, Simpson got the opportunity to meet the player he once watched on television. When Tebow was working with SEC Nation during an event at Missouri, Simpson finally had the chance to talk with the man who inspired him growing up.

The moment meant more than most people probably realize.

“He was my childhood hero,” Simpson said. “Being able to see him and him telling me that he enjoys watching me play and loves what I represent… that meant a lot to me.”

Simpson’s journey at Alabama Crimson Tide football wasn’t built overnight.

In fact, it required patience that many modern quarterbacks never show.

The former five-star recruit waited his turn, spending three seasons learning, developing, and supporting teammates before finally stepping into the starting role in 2025.

That patience paid off.

Simpson led Alabama to an 11-4 record and a College Football Playoff appearance while putting together an impressive season statistically. He completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions across 15 starts.

But those numbers only tell part of the story.

According to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, Simpson’s character and loyalty stood out long before he ever became the starter.

Through years of waiting for his opportunity, Simpson remained steady, supporting teammates, preparing behind the scenes, and trusting the process.

That mindset is a big reason many NFL scouts now view him as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the upcoming draft class.

His performance at the NFL Combine only reinforced that reputation, showcasing the accuracy, poise, and decision-making that translate well to the next level.

But at the core of Simpson’s story is something bigger than football.

It’s about toughness.

It’s about faith.

It’s about leaving something better than you found it.

And in many ways, it all started with a kid watching Tim Tebow and deciding that was the kind of player, and person, he wanted to become.

For Alabama fans who watched Simpson’s journey unfold in Tuscaloosa, that toughness is exactly what made him special.

And it’s a big reason his football story is just getting started.

Roll Tide.

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