TUSCALOOSA, Alabama: Technical issues caused a long delay barely 30 seconds into Alabama’s basketball game against Auburn, setting off an unexpected opening to the match. But the lighting delay gave the ESPN broadcasters more time to speak with Jalen Milroe. Following Nick Saban’s announcement of his retirement, Alabama’s returning starting quarterback has been one of the more vocal players about wanting to stay with the Crimson Tide. Milroe discussed some of the team’s initial priorities under new head coach Kalen DeBoer’s direction on the ESPN broadcast.
“It’s two things: trust the process, and believe,” said Milroe. “We’re going to take care of that right now. We are currently only in January. It all comes down to being present in the moment. We’re focused on where we are at the moment rather than on the destination or the peak of the mountain. At the moment, the focus is on the relationship component of this, specifically getting to know our coach and subsequently our teammates. We need to be continuously working on our relationship and maintaining our faith in all the coaching staff is teaching us in our locker room.”
Milroe passed for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns last season in addition to 531 yards and 12 touchdowns gained on the ground. His teammates elected him to be the team’s permanent captain. Since Nick Saban’s retirement, his leadership has been crucial in keeping athletes at Alabama. Some of the reasons Milroe plays for the Crimson Tide, according to him, are the resources Alabama offers and the meaning of wearing the script A.
“I feel proud of being the quarterback at the University of Alabama,” Milroe remarked during the broadcast. “It is a true blessing.” That’s not lost on me, and I always emphasize to the men in the locker room to be aware of where they are in life and to not take anything for granted because we are fortunate to be in this particular circumstance at this time. I therefore enjoy playing quarterback here every single day.”
