Ty Simpson, the quarterback for Alabama, comes home to work with his younger brother.

Introduction

As the Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback grind approaches its offseason lull, Ty Simpson’s journey is far from over. Instead of resting on his laurels after another intense spring practice, Simpson made the decision to return to his hometown of Martin, Tennessee, to work alongside his younger brother, Graham. This homecoming is not just about family bonding; it underscores Simpson’s commitment to continuous improvement, leadership development, and his role as a mentor both on and off the field.

A Star on the Rise: From Martin, Tennessee, to Tuscaloosa

Born on December 21, 2002, in Martin, Tennessee, Ty Simpson’s football destiny was almost preordained. The son of Julie and Jason Simpson—head coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin—Ty grew up with the sport in his blood. He shattered local records at Westview High School, throwing for 2,827 yards and 41 touchdowns his senior year en route to the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year award and leading Westview to a 2A state championship .

The Crimson Tide recognized his elite talent early; Simpson was ranked a five-star recruit and committed to Alabama over Clemson and Tennessee. After redshirting his freshman season, he has steadily carved out a role with the Tide, amassing valuable repetitions with a program renowned for producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks .

The Offseason Homecoming

Spring Practice and the QB Race

With Jalen Milroe’s decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tide’s starting quarterback position became one of the storylines of the offseason . Though Simpson saw limited action in 2024 (167 passing yards, 0 TD, QBR 73.0), his work ethic and experience within Nick Saban’s system positioned him among the favorites to win the job .

Rather than celebrate an early victory or allow himself downtime, Simpson chose to return to Martin for summer break to work intimately with his younger brother Graham—an aspiring quarterback in his own right.

A Backyard Lab: Fundamentals and Film

By the time he arrived home in late May, Simpson had already spent hours in the film room breaking down Alabama’s playbook and his own spring practice tape. But it was in the Simpson family’s backyard where the true teaching began. Using cones, portable dummies, and makeshift goal posts, Ty organized every drill imaginable:

• Footwork and Dropbacks: Emphasizing quick, balanced drops to avoid sacks, a skill Simpson refined under Tide offensive coaches.
• Ball Security and Mechanics: Repetition of proper hand placement and release points, critical for threading passes in tight coverage.
• Decision-Making Scenarios: Simulated defensive looks crafted by Jason Simpson, pitting Ty’s reads against his brother’s coverage.

Ty’s methodology mirrors Alabama’s “process-first” philosophy: mastery of fundamentals before adding complexity. Graham, four years his junior, soaked up every rep, pushing Ty to coach with patience and clarity.

Brotherhood and Legacy

Family Ties

The Simpson household is a football factory in the best sense. Jason Simpson, a three-time finalist for the Eddie Robinson FCS Coach of the Year award, knows the grind intimately and instills discipline in both his sons. Mom, Julie, balances the rigor with support, ensuring the boys maintain academic and personal growth alongside football pursuits .

Ty’s decision to work with Graham isn’t just mentorship; it’s legacy-building. The elder brother aims to leave behind a blueprint for success:

“Growing up, my brother was always my first receiver, my first defender,” Ty reflects. “Now, I get to be that example for him—to help him understand how habits today build performance tomorrow.”

For Graham, the opportunity to learn from an SEC athlete is transformative. Beyond the X’s and O’s, Graham witnesses the discipline required at the highest level.

Community Impact

Martin, Tennessee, a town of under 10,000, has rallied behind its prodigal son. Local youth programs invited Ty to lead drills and speak about balancing academics, athletics, and personal well-being. These impromptu clinics attracted dozens of young athletes:

• Youth Quarterback Clinics: Teaching basic passing mechanics and leadership.
• Film Study Sessions: Introducing film analysis as a pathway to smarter play.
• Motivational Talks: Emphasizing resilience—failure as fuel for growth.

Simpson’s presence reverberates through town: murals along Main Street depict him in Crimson and its signature “A,” and the local recreation center named its indoor field “Simpson Field” in his honor.

The Road Ahead: Personal and Team Goals

Refining the Skillset

Ty Simpson’s offseason regimen extends far beyond backyard drills. His daily routine includes:

1. Early Morning Mobility Work: Preventing injuries and enhancing range of motion.
2. Strength and Conditioning: Under the watchful eye of an Alabama strength coach via remote sessions.
3. Nutrition and Recovery: Collaborating with Tide nutritionists to optimize performance.
4. Mental Conditioning: Visualization and mindfulness exercises to prepare for high-pressure situations.

By overlaying Alabama’s resources onto his hometown setting, Simpson ensures no aspect of his development is neglected.

Leadership Evolution

Returning home also offers a chance for reflection. At Alabama, the quarterback is often the face of the program—on campus, in the locker room, and before the media. Ty’s time with Graham gives him perspective on leadership:

• Teach to Learn: Explaining concepts to Graham reinforces Ty’s own understanding.
• Accountability: As he critiques Graham’s mistakes, Ty hones the communication skills vital for a quarterback calling audibles.
• Empathy: Coaching his brother’s mindset deepens Ty’s ability to motivate a diverse roster of teammates.

Simpson recognizes that leadership is less about charisma and more about clarity and consistency.

Balancing Brotherhood and Ambition

While the brotherly bond is strong, both Simpsons maintain separate aspirations:

• Ty’s Ambition: Win the starting job at Alabama, lead the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship, and ultimately prepare for the NFL Draft.
• Graham’s Dream: Continue developing at Westview High School, earn college recruiting attention, and perhaps follow Ty to Tuscaloosa.

Ty often reminds Graham that every throw, every film session, and every rep matters. Meanwhile, Graham’s youthful enthusiasm reminds Ty of the pure joy of playing the game—a sentiment sometimes lost amid the intensity of SEC competition.

Reflections from Coach Saban and Beyond

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, known for his “Process” mantra, applauds Simpson’s commitment:

“Ty’s willingness to invest in his brother’s development speaks volumes about his character. That same dedication will carry over when he’s leading this team—on the field and in the locker room.”

Former Tide greats like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones have similarly returned home in offseason to mentor local youth, illustrating a tradition Simpson now helps uphold.

Conclusion

Ty Simpson’s summer homecoming to Martin, Tennessee, transcends a simple family reunion. It is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, his dedication to leadership, and his desire to inspire the next generation—starting with his younger brother, Graham. As Simpson prepares to vie for the starting quarterback role at Alabama, the lessons learned and teaching moments shared on his family’s backyard field will echo through his performance in Bryant–Denny Stadium.

In the end, Simpson’s story isn’t solely about statistics or wins; it’s about how a young athlete leverages every opportunity—whether at a storied SEC program or a small-town backyard—to shape not just his own future, but the futures of those who follow in his cleats.