In his final words to the Alabama football quarterback room prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, Jalen Milroe divulges his secret sauce.

As Jalen Milroe stood in front of his fellow quarterbacks in the Alabama football quarterback room, a sense of finality loomed in the air. The year was 2025, and Milroe, having spent a significant part of his college career at the University of Alabama, was preparing to take the next step in his football journey—the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a pivotal moment not just in his career but for the legacy of the Alabama football program, as Milroe was poised to make an impact on the professional stage.

But before he walked out of the room and into the uncertainty of the draft process, Milroe wanted to leave his mark on the players who had shared the highs and lows of his time at Alabama. He wanted to impart something that had helped him grow as a player, something that had shaped his path, and something he believed would help the next generation of Alabama quarterbacks in their pursuit of greatness.

And so, with a calm yet confident presence, Milroe turned to the group of quarterbacks, many of whom had looked up to him as a mentor, and began to speak.

“It’s All About the Process”

“Fellas,” Milroe began, his voice steady but carrying the weight of his experience, “I know we’ve all been through a lot together. The ups and downs, the moments where you feel like everything’s clicking and those times when you feel like the world’s crashing down on you. You know how it is. Football’s a grind, especially here at Alabama. But before I walk out of here, I want to leave you all with something important—something that’s been my ‘secret sauce’ in how I’ve approached everything.”

The room fell silent, with everyone’s attention squarely on Milroe. His words held significance. They knew this was his moment to pass on whatever wisdom had helped him become the player he was and to prepare them for their own futures.

Milroe took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before continuing. “I don’t want to give you any cheesy motivational speeches, because we’ve all heard those. But what I want you to understand is this: it’s not about the fame. It’s not about the accolades or the draft stock. It’s about the process. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where you’re going to find out who you really are as a player and as a person.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. For Milroe, the process wasn’t just about training hard or putting in extra hours on the field. It was about commitment to excellence in every area of life—the mental, the physical, and the emotional. It was about a mindset that made the grind of football, the pressure of being a starting quarterback, and the constant scrutiny a way of life, rather than a burden.

“Let me be real with you,” Milroe said. “I didn’t come into Alabama as a finished product. I was a work in progress, just like you. But the key is to embrace that. Embrace the fact that every day you get better, even if it’s just a little bit. Trust me when I say this: it’s the little things that will add up. The consistency of getting your footwork right, the dedication to reading defenses, and the mental toughness to shake off a bad play and get right back at it.”

Embracing the Growth Mindset

Milroe’s journey to the starting quarterback role at Alabama had been anything but smooth. Early in his career, he had struggled with his mechanics and decision-making. There were moments when he doubted himself, and critics questioned whether he would ever reach his full potential. However, instead of succumbing to the pressure, Milroe embraced a growth mindset—a philosophy that became the foundation of his development.

He had learned early on that success wasn’t guaranteed, no matter how much talent you had. It wasn’t about relying solely on his natural athleticism or his arm strength; it was about taking responsibility for his own growth. Over time, Milroe had honed his craft, learning from his mistakes and using every setback as fuel to become better. Whether it was working on his deep ball accuracy, improving his footwork, or learning how to read defenses more effectively, Milroe had always kept his focus on the process of improvement.

“Never stop learning,” Milroe continued, his voice more passionate now. “There are going to be times when you think you’ve figured it all out. But you haven’t. The best players are the ones who continue to evolve. Whether you’re a freshman or you’re about to step into the NFL, there’s always something to improve. You’re never done learning.”

Milroe’s emphasis on growth wasn’t just for his fellow quarterbacks—it was a reminder to himself, too. Even as a star player, he had always viewed himself as a student of the game, constantly watching film, working with coaches, and striving to find that next level of improvement.

“It’s easy to get comfortable when things are going well,” Milroe explained. “But when things aren’t going your way—when you’re throwing picks or missing wide-open guys—what are you going to do? Are you going to get frustrated and let it affect you? Or are you going to take it in stride, adjust, and come back better? That’s the mindset you need to have.”

Overcoming Doubt and Adversity

One of the most significant obstacles Milroe had faced throughout his college career was overcoming the doubts of others. Despite his immense talent and athletic ability, there were always questions about his decision-making, his mechanics, and his readiness to lead a top-tier program like Alabama.

Milroe knew that, for many, college football was a “what have you done for me lately?” world. If you weren’t playing at your best week in and week out, it didn’t matter how much potential you had—you would be scrutinized, criticized, and doubted.

But Milroe had learned to turn those doubts into motivation. He used every piece of criticism as fuel to work harder, to prove people wrong, and to show that he could overcome any adversity.

“I’ll be honest with you guys,” Milroe said with a smirk. “I’ve been doubted my whole life. People said I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t have the tools to be the guy. But I didn’t let that define me. I made sure that when I stepped onto that field, my confidence came from the work I put in, not from anyone’s opinion.”

Milroe’s story was one of resilience. It was a reminder that talent alone wasn’t enough to make it in college football—or in the NFL. It took mental toughness to handle the highs and lows, to maintain focus, and to continue putting in the work when others questioned your ability.

“You’re going to face adversity,” Milroe continued. “There’s no way around it. But when you do, you need to dig deep and remind yourself why you’re here. You’re here because you have a gift, and it’s up to you how you use that gift. Don’t let anyone or anything make you feel like you don’t belong.”

The Power of Self-Belief

Perhaps the most important part of Milroe’s “secret sauce” was the power of self-belief. Throughout his time at Alabama, Milroe had shown an unwavering belief in his own abilities, even when things weren’t going well. He understood that doubt was a natural part of the process, but he never allowed it to shake his confidence.

“Believe in yourself, even when no one else does,” Milroe said, his tone softer now but no less impactful. “You’re going to face moments of doubt. You’re going to face setbacks. But if you don’t believe in what you can do, then no one else will. I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Milroe’s advice wasn’t about being arrogant or overconfident—it was about having the inner strength to stay grounded and stay true to who you are as a player. It was about trusting the work you’ve put in and knowing that, at the end of the day, no one else can define your worth but you.

“You guys are capable of so much more than you know,” Milroe said, his voice rising with conviction. “You just have to believe in yourselves. There’s a reason you’re here. There’s a reason you’re wearing that Alabama helmet. You’ve got the tools, the talent, and the mentality to do whatever you set your mind to. Just trust the process, keep working, and don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do.”