Alabama QB Ty Simpson’s Martin, Tennessee Roots Shaped His Journey

Martin, Tenn. — Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson’s unconventional path to becoming a starting college football player was forged in the small town of Martin, Tennessee, where his father coached at the University of Tennessee at Martin and the football stadium felt like a second home.

Simpson’s early exposure to the game wasn’t without its hiccups; a compliance issue when he was a ninth grader—practicing with the UT Martin quarterbacks—resulted in the team losing an hour of practice time. “It was pitiful,” said Julie Simpson, his mother. “I would just look at him and go, ‘you can’t go out there.’ … Which was very frustrating to him.” This early experience, though frustrating, underscored the importance of rules and discipline, values that would later define his approach to the game.

Growing up, Simpson immersed himself in the UT Martin football program, attending practices, quarterback meetings, and even using the college weight room as a high schooler. Former UT Martin quarterback Dresser Winn recalled Simpson arriving at 5:30 a.m. to unlock the weight room for others, demonstrating a dedication that went beyond his own development. “He sounds just like his dad,” Julie Simpson noted, referencing the similarities in their coaching styles. Simpson’s commitment to film study, often conducted in a conference room with his father, further honed his understanding of the game, a skill he continues to utilize at Alabama, even bringing a stat book to postgame interviews. This dedication to preparation is a key element in his success as a quarterback, and is a hallmark of the program he grew up around.

After waiting his turn at Alabama, Simpson secured the starting quarterback position this season, and consistently asks about the score of UT Martin games after his own contests. “Hold on, who knows the UT Martin score?” Simpson asked after a recent win against Georgia. His faith, nurtured by his family and the First Baptist Church Martin, played a crucial role in navigating the challenges of waiting for his opportunity, as detailed by Senior Pastor Mike Sams. The story highlights the growing importance of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for college athletes, as reported by the NCAA.

Alabama officials say Simpson will continue to lead the team as they prepare for their next game, bringing with him the lessons and values instilled in him during his Martin, Tennessee upbringing.