Jalen Milroe’s first year in the NFL involved limited game action, appearing in only three contests for the Seattle Seahawks and playing sparingly as the third-string quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock. His debut came early in the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where a fumble marred his briefly extended time on the field. Beyond that, Milroe primarily served as an emergency backup, remaining inactive during most game days.
A Unique Milestone for Milroe’s Career
Despite minimal on-field exposure, Milroe achieved a remarkable distinction on Super Bowl Sunday. Around 9:30 p.m., he became the first Alabama quarterback to win a Super Bowl as a rookie, surpassing well-known predecessors like Jalen Hurts, Bryce Young, Joe Namath, and Bart Starr. At 23 years old, Milroe joined a highly exclusive group, making history in a way that underscored the rarity of his accomplishment.
Learning from Veteran Quarterbacks
Milroe’s rookie season was defined not just by his historic win but by the invaluable experience gained from sitting behind two seasoned quarterbacks. With Sam Darnold’s eight years and Drew Lock’s seven years of combined NFL experience, Milroe benefited from a wealth of knowledge spanning different teams, offensive systems, and defensive schemes.
He remarked on the value of their experience, explaining,
“They’ve been on multiple teams, and they’ve seen so many defenses,”
which builds confidence and enables quicker decision-making on the field. Milroe absorbed lessons on reading defensive covers, understanding offensive terminology, and learning the strategic reasoning behind playcalling against various defensive looks.
Embracing the Mental Approach to Football
Adapting to a new team structure was a challenge for Milroe, who acknowledged the difficulty in knowing “the ropes” when entering an unfamiliar environment. Observing Darnold leading the offense effectively helped lay out a blueprint for success. Milroe connected those lessons with his experience under Alabama coach Nick Saban, focusing on the “next-play, one-and-oh mentality,” which emphasizes quickly moving past mistakes or successes without dwelling on them.
He shared,
“It wasn’t pretty all the time, but always having that next play mentality, that was key,”
highlighting how Darnold exemplified mental resilience by resetting after each play and maintaining focus without emotional distractions.
Quarterback Room Dynamics and Support
The culture within the quarterback room also played a crucial role in Milroe’s adjustment. He noted that Darnold reached out via text on draft day, and the veteran players welcomed him warmly—a support system not always present in NFL locker rooms. Before games, Darnold fostered engagement within the QB group by encouraging them to analyze the game proactively, stating,
“Tell me what you see. Let’s have some fun and tell me what you see,”
prompting a deeper focus beyond mere observation.
Milroe’s Path Moving Forward
Currently, Milroe remains under the mentorship umbrella, with Darnold firmly established as Seattle’s starting quarterback and Lock still under contract. Head coach Mike Macdonald has highlighted Milroe’s ongoing development through virtual reality sessions, scout team participation, and targeted weekly training to ensure he remains prepared. While a starting role is not imminent, Milroe’s rookie season emphasized that growth often happens away from the spotlight, in meetings, practice fields, and through conversations with experienced veterans well-versed in intricate defensive schemes.
