For those who liken his quarterbacking to that of a two-time NFL MVP, former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has a clear message.

In a sport as scrutinized and celebrated as college football, comparisons are often drawn between players at every position, especially when the stakes are high. For Jalen Milroe, the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback who is now looking to establish himself as one of college football’s top quarterbacks, the comparisons to NFL MVPs like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes have come early and often. With his incredible athleticism, strong arm, and dual-threat abilities, many analysts and fans have been quick to liken Milroe to some of the top quarterbacks in the professional game. However, Milroe has a clear message for those making these comparisons: he’s focused on building his own legacy, and his journey is about much more than being placed in the shadow of others.

Jalen Milroe: The Rise of a Dual-Threat Quarterback

Jalen Milroe arrived in Tuscaloosa as a highly touted recruit from Texas, expected to take over the quarterback position for the Alabama Crimson Tide after the departure of their star quarterbacks. With his combination of size, speed, and arm strength, Milroe was already drawing comparisons to some of the game’s top athletes before he even stepped onto the field. His dynamic playstyle caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, drawing comparisons to the electrifying play of Lamar Jackson, the former Louisville star and two-time NFL MVP, or even Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback who has redefined the position with his improvisational style and ability to extend plays.

At first glance, the comparisons to Jackson and Mahomes are easy to make. Like Jackson, Milroe possesses excellent mobility and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He can take off and rush for substantial gains, breaking tackles and turning a broken play into a massive opportunity. His arm strength, while not necessarily on the level of Mahomes, allows him to make all the throws, stretching the defense both vertically and horizontally. These traits, paired with his leadership and resilience, have contributed to the rising hype around his future at Alabama.

However, while comparisons to these NFL superstars are flattering, Milroe is quick to point out that he’s focused on becoming the best version of himself, not trying to mirror anyone else.

The Need for Patience: Jalen Milroe’s Growth as a Quarterback

When Milroe took the field for the Alabama Crimson Tide, he did so in the shadow of some legendary quarterbacks. Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, had set the bar incredibly high. Not only was Young a leader, but his mastery of the position, from his accuracy to his decision-making, made him a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. For Milroe, stepping into this role wasn’t easy, and the expectations were high.

But it’s important to remember that Milroe’s journey to the starting role wasn’t a straight line. He began as a backup, waiting his turn while refining his skills, and when he did get his shot, he faced a steep learning curve. Early in his career, Milroe showed flashes of brilliance, but also signs of inconsistency. He would have moments where his athleticism and playmaking ability seemed to be on full display, but then he would make mistakes or struggle with accuracy, something that is common for many quarterbacks adjusting to the college level.

For a player like Milroe, who possesses immense physical talent, the key to success isn’t simply relying on his athleticism. It’s about honing his mechanics, mastering his reads, and becoming a more polished, composed quarterback. Over time, he has worked on developing the mental side of his game, learning how to handle the pressures that come with being the leader of a premier program like Alabama.

Despite the bumps along the way, Milroe has embraced the challenge of improvement. He has never been one to shy away from constructive criticism, understanding that this process will only make him stronger. Rather than trying to emulate someone else, Milroe is focused on carving out his own identity and legacy as a quarterback.

The Lamar Jackson Comparison: A Blessing or a Curse?

The comparison to Lamar Jackson is perhaps the most common when talking about Milroe. Jackson’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs revolutionized the quarterback position in the NFL, and his success at Louisville set a new standard for dual-threat quarterbacks. Many people have pointed to Milroe’s athleticism and versatility, which mirrors Jackson’s style, as one of the reasons for the comparison.

But while Milroe respects Jackson and the impact he’s had on the game, he is not interested in being a carbon copy. “I know what Lamar has done, and it’s impressive, but I’m Jalen Milroe, not Lamar Jackson,” Milroe said in an interview. “I have my own path to carve. It’s about my own development, my own way of playing the game. I want to be known for the way I lead and the impact I make on this team, not for trying to be someone else.”

This mentality shows Milroe’s understanding of the pressure that comes with high expectations. The media and fans often rush to create comparisons, but Milroe has learned to embrace who he is, focusing on his own strengths rather than being defined by someone else’s game. He’s aware that trying to live up to the hype of being compared to an NFL MVP is a difficult task, and rather than let it weigh him down, he’s used it as motivation to continue working on his craft.

“Being compared to guys like Lamar Jackson is flattering, but that’s not where my focus is,” Milroe said. “I’m not here to mimic anyone else. I want to be a great quarterback for Alabama, and I want to be someone who can lead this team to championships.”

Building His Own Legacy at Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide have long been home to some of the best quarterbacks in college football history, from Joe Namath to Tua Tagovailoa. Following in the footsteps of such legends is no small feat, but Milroe has the opportunity to cement his place in Alabama history by continuing to grow as a quarterback and leading the Tide back to the top of college football.

Milroe’s leadership is already something that stands out to his coaches and teammates. As a quarterback, he has taken ownership of the offense, learning how to read defenses, improve his decision-making, and rally his teammates. Even though he’s still refining his skills, he has already shown maturity beyond his years in terms of understanding what it takes to be successful.

“Jalen has really grown in terms of his leadership,” said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. “He’s always had the talent, but it’s about bringing it all together. He’s a guy who’s dedicated to improving, and we’ve seen that. He’s got a lot of potential, and I think he’s just getting started.”

For Milroe, the biggest thing is not focusing on comparisons or outside expectations, but on leading his team to victories and making a name for himself. “I want to be remembered for how I play the game and how I helped this team,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about who I’m compared to. It’s about winning and making my teammates better.”

What’s Next for Milroe?

As Milroe heads into the 2025 season, the pressure and scrutiny will undoubtedly continue. He’s a quarterback at Alabama — one of the most prestigious programs in college football history. The expectations will always be high. But Jalen Milroe has shown time and time again that he is ready to face those challenges head-on.

There’s no question that Milroe’s physical abilities are elite. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability gives him the tools to excel at the highest level. But the question remains whether he can put it all together mentally. If he can continue to improve in his decision-making, consistency, and leadership, he has the potential to lead Alabama back to championship contention.

In the end, Milroe isn’t concerned with who he’s compared to — whether it’s Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, or anyone else. He’s focused on carving out his own path, one that will be defined by his growth, his leadership, and the success of his team. As he heads into the 2025 season, he’s ready to prove that Jalen Milroe is not just a player to watch, but one to remember in Alabama football history.