IT IS DONE: Alabama Crimson Quarterback Ty Simpson Stuns Fans and Leaves Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Speechless with major Announcement Concerning..

3/31/25 MFB Spring practice
Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson (15)
Photo by Kent Gidley

Alabama Crimson Quarterback Ty Simpson Stuns Fans and Leaves Head Coach Kalen DeBoer Speechless with major Announcement Concerning..

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson has made a stunning announcement that has left fans in awe and even head coach Kalen DeBoer momentarily speechless.

Standing before a packed press room at Bryant–Denny Stadium, the 6’2″ junior quarterback, known for his calm demeanor and field leadership, took to the podium with poise and determination. While speculation had swirled over possible NFL Draft declarations or transfer rumors, what Simpson revealed was far more impactful and unprecedented.

The Announcement

“I’ve thought a lot about my purpose, about why I play this game,” Simpson began, his voice steady but emotional. “And today, I’m announcing that after this season, I will not only enter the 2026 NFL Draft, but I will also be launching a national foundation dedicated to mental health support for student-athletes.”

The statement, a rare blend of personal aspiration and social commitment, was met with stunned silence, then a wave of applause from reporters, teammates, and members of the Alabama athletic staff.

Named The SnapBack Foundation, Simpson’s initiative will focus on expanding access to mental health resources, therapy, and wellness programs for high school and college athletes across the United States. It aims to address the silent struggles many athletes face behind the spotlight of competition, performance pressure, and public scrutiny.

“I’ve seen what this game can do to people—the highs and the lows,” Simpson continued. “Too often, we’re told to ‘tough it out’ or ‘be strong,’ but strength also means asking for help. My mission is to make sure no athlete feels alone.”

Coach DeBoer: “One of the Most Powerful Moments I’ve Witnessed”

Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over the storied Alabama program in 2024, was visibly moved by Simpson’s announcement.

“I’ve coached a lot of young men in my career,” DeBoer said after the event. “But what Ty just did—standing up, not just as a quarterback, but as a human being who wants to change the world—that’s one of the most powerful moments I’ve witnessed in football.”

DeBoer praised Simpson not only for his on-field maturity but for his leadership off the gridiron. “This is the kind of man you want leading your team. Not because he throws touchdowns—though he throws a lot—but because he leads with heart.”

A Rising Star With a Mission

Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit out of Tennessee, has spent the past two seasons developing into one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. With a quick release, elite field vision, and a fierce competitive edge, he has earned the respect of both teammates and scouts.

He led Alabama to a 10-2 regular season last year and is expected to be a Heisman contender this fall. But even as his stock rises among NFL evaluators, Simpson’s focus has clearly expanded beyond personal success.

“I want to win games. I want a national title,” he said. “But I also want to use my platform to make a real difference. Football won’t last forever—but the impact you leave can.”

The Foundation’s Goals

The SnapBack Foundation—a name inspired by both the quarterback snap and the mental “snap back” from adversity—will partner with schools, sports psychologists, and athlete advocacy groups to provide:

  • Free and subsidized mental health counseling for athletes in need

  • On-campus wellness centers at partner schools

  • Educational programs about emotional resilience, stress management, and identity beyond sports

  • Emergency intervention resources for athletes at risk of burnout, depression, or self-harm

The foundation will also host an annual SnapBack Summit, a national conference bringing together athletes, coaches, therapists, and policy leaders to discuss mental health in competitive sports.

Simpson’s initial funding for the foundation comes from recent Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings, estimated at over $2 million. He plans to contribute a large portion of his upcoming NFL signing bonus to ensure long-term sustainability.

A Movement in the Making

Reactions across the sports world have been swift and admiring. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit tweeted: “Incredible maturity and vision from Ty Simpson. This is how you lead. This is how you leave a legacy.”

Simpson’s teammates also expressed their pride and support.

“Ty’s always had our backs—on the field and off,” said star wide receiver Kendrick Brown. “This foundation just shows the world what we already knew: he’s built different.”

Looking to the Future

As the Crimson Tide prepare for another run at the SEC title under DeBoer’s system, Simpson remains laser-focused on the season ahead—but now with an even greater mission behind every pass, every play, every snap.

“I love this game. But more than that, I love the people in it,” Simpson said, concluding the announcement. “If I can help one athlete sleep better at night, speak up, or stay alive—then everything I’ve done will be worth it.”

With that, Ty Simpson left the stage—not just as Alabama’s quarterback, but as the face of a movement that could change the culture of college athletics forever.