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The stage of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis has served as the perfect platform for Ty Simpson to send a clear message to the entire league. The former University of Alabama quarterback is not only looking to be drafted, but also sees himself as the future face of a professional organization.
Although the shadow of Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) has captured most of the spotlight as the event's biggest star, Simpson has arrived at team interviews with unshakable confidence in his talent, aiming to become a franchise player.
"First of all, I believe I'm ready, I'm a franchise quarterback," Simpson declared firmly during his media availability on Friday. For the young passer, the key to his confidence lies in the demands of his college program: "Alabama is what prepares you the most for the NFL... The Alabama locker room is the closest thing to an NFL locker room you can find."
The Alabama challenge: Statistics and resilience on the gridiron
Simpson's college football journey was a roller coaster of dominance and physical adversity. As the Crimson Tide's starter, he finished with 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. However, his season was divided into two very different chapters due to injuries.
During his first eight games, Simpson was nearly unstoppable, recording 21 touchdown passes without a single interception. But the final stretch proved grueling; the quarterback had to battle a rib fracture, elbow and lower back issues, as well as severe weight loss caused by a case of gastritis.
"That's why I decided to throw and why I'm excited about it," he said about his decision to participate in on-field drills this Saturday, unlike other prospects who have opted to remain inactive.
His preparation to regain physical strength has been exhaustive, focusing on a strict diet of up to four meals per day and protein shakes. Simpson understands that his draft value - currently projected between the first and second rounds (with links to teams such as the Steelers, Jets, or Rams) - depends on proving he is fully healthy. "No matter where I'm projected or where I go, they're going to get the best version of Ty Simpson," he concluded.