NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Confidence exudes from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson when he’s on the field, and that carried over into the pre-NFL Draft process.
Simpson has steadfastly backed himself when asked if he can be a starting quarterback in this league, and he feels he has the first-round talent to do so.
Before he finds out where he goes in the NFL Draft, whether it’s Thursday night in the first round or later, Simpson spoke with Pakinomist Digital about where his patented confidence comes from.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2026. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“I think it fits with my beliefs,” he said while discussing his partnership with Toyota ahead of the draft. “My faith is very important to me. I fully believe that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and knowing that football is just a small stepping stone in why I’m on this earth. I feel like I’m on this earth for a bigger reason, to bring people together to spread the word. The fact that I can do that on a huge stage has given me confidence in as many ways as the Lord has given me confidence.
“I get to play a kid’s game for fun, but I also know that everyone is watching every move I make. Understanding that I can affect so many people’s lives by spreading the good news.”
Simpson, who spent all four of his college seasons at Alabama, embodies the motto “Faith, Family, Football” as he also talked about his hometown of Martin, Tennessee.
PROJECT TOP PICK FERNANDO MENDOZA DISCLOSES WHY HE’S SKIPPING NFL DRAFT
No matter where his NFL journey takes him, he will always represent the place that made him who he is.
“I think being able to impact my community is something I’m really looking forward to because I know how much my community means to me,” he said when asked about charitable work off the court in the city he ends up in. “Martin, Tennessee is a special place. It’s where I grew up. The 713 area code, we take pride in that. We always say in our household.” So it’s something where I look forward, wherever I end up, to be able to give back to my community.”
Simpson showed his desire to give back Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, joining fellow NFL Draft prospect wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and members of the US Women’s National Flag Football team at Toyota’s NFL Draft Flag Football Training Camp for Pittsburgh-area high school girls. Wearing a coach’s hat, he helped coordinate drills and share some of his quarterback wisdom before preparing for the draft Thursday night.
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the football against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“My sister was a basketball and softball player growing up, so it’s really exciting and great to see Toyota putting a spotlight on girls in sports,” added Simpson.
Toyota also covered fees for NFL FLAG fall registration kits for current players in the Pittsburgh Flag Football League as part of this activation prior to the live draft in the city.
Simpson waited until his fourth season to finally take the reins of the Alabama offense, and he made the most of the situation. He threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions across 15 games for the Crimson Tide. But the 6-foot-2, 211-pound quarterback, who has drawn comparisons to Mac Jones, a fellow Alabama alum, is all over the place in mock drafts.
In short, not even Simpson has an idea where he might end up when the draft begins. But wherever he goes, Simpson knows he can make an impact.
Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (CFP/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
And it starts with his faith.
“The first round is great, [but] every time you get nominated is amazing. There are so many different players that are good at my position, from every other round of the NFL. So I’m in the mindset that wherever I go, whenever it is, I’m going to put my best foot forward. Trust the process and be the best player I can be.”
