
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 BryantâDenny 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
âIâve thought a lot about my purpose, about why I play this game,â Simpson began, his voice steady but emotional. âAnd today, Iâm 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.â
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, Simpsonâs 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.
âIâve seen what this game can do to peopleâthe highs and the lows,â Simpson continued. âToo often, weâre told to âtough it outâ or âbe strong,â but strength also means asking for help. My mission is to make sure no athlete feels alone.â
Coach DeBoer: âOne of the Most Powerful Moments Iâve Witnessedâ
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over the storied Alabama program in 2024, was visibly moved by Simpsonâs announcement.
âIâve coached a lot of young men in my career,â DeBoer said after the event. âBut what Ty just didâstanding up, not just as a quarterback, but as a human being who wants to change the worldâthatâs one of the most powerful moments Iâve witnessed in football.â
DeBoer praised Simpson not only for his on-field maturity but for his leadership off the gridiron. âThis is the kind of man you want leading your team. Not because he throws touchdownsâthough he throws a lotâbut because he leads with heart.â
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, Simpsonâs focus has clearly expanded beyond personal success.
âI want to win games. I want a national title,â he said. âBut I also want to use my platform to make a real difference. Football wonât last foreverâbut the impact you leave can.â
The Foundation’s Goals
The SnapBack Foundationâa name inspired by both the quarterback snap and the mental âsnap backâ from adversityâwill partner with schools, sports psychologists, and athlete advocacy groups to provide:
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Free and subsidized mental health counseling for athletes in need
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On-campus wellness centers at partner schools
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Educational programs about emotional resilience, stress management, and identity beyond sports
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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.
Simpsonâs 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: âIncredible maturity and vision from Ty Simpson. This is how you lead. This is how you leave a legacy.â
Simpsonâs teammates also expressed their pride and support.
âTyâs always had our backsâon the field and off,â said star wide receiver Kendrick Brown. âThis foundation just shows the world what we already knew: heâs built different.â
Looking to the Future
As the Crimson Tide prepare for another run at the SEC title under DeBoerâs system, Simpson remains laser-focused on the season aheadâbut now with an even greater mission behind every pass, every play, every snap.
âI love this game. But more than that, I love the people in it,â Simpson said, concluding the announcement. âIf I can help one athlete sleep better at night, speak up, or stay aliveâthen everything Iâve done will be worth it.â
With that, Ty Simpson left the stageânot just as Alabamaâs quarterback, but as the face of a movement that could change the culture of college athletics forever.