Will Alabama QB Jalen Milroe enter the NFL draft? What he said after ReliaQuest Bowl

Posted by author December 31, 2024 NFL

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TAMPA, Fla. — Moments after Alabama football’s 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan, Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe addressed questions about his future.

After four seasons with Alabama, would he leave and enter the 2025 NFL draft? Milroe, once again, declined to answer.

“Right now, I’m just trying to soak up this moment today and not really try to focus on any future endeavors,” Milroe said.

But Milroe elaborated more than he ever had on what being an Alabama quarterback meant to him.

“I put everything on the line,” Milroe said. “Hardships along the way. A lot of doubt, a lot of things along the process. But one thing’s for certain is that I just remain faithful. I met a lot of great people along the way. It’s truly an honor to wear the script-A each and every Saturday, win or loss. I don’t take it lightly at all. it’s been an amazing journey just wearing the script-A.

“Being a leader, being a captain for this amazing football team. Along this journey, there’s been a lot of eye-opening things. I’ve learned so much that’s going to catapult me to anything I want to achieve with being a quarterback at Alabama. And I’m truly honored, blessed, no matter what. No matter if we win every single game, no matter if we lost. I’m truly appreciative to play quarterback and play at the Division I level and be able to have the opportunity to play. That’s what I take away beyond anything. And so I’m just truly honored, thankful and just always want to give praise.”

Milroe finished the ReliaQuest Bowl with 192 passing yards, completing 16 of 31 pass attempts with a touchdown and an interception. He added seven rushing yards on 16 carries.

Milroe finished the 2024 season with 2,844 passing yards, 726 rushing yards, 35 total touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Did Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker declare for NFL draft?

Like Milroe, Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker declined to share his NFL draft intentions.

“I’m not really worried about that right now,” Booker said. “I’m just enjoying this time with my teammates and enjoy some time with my family. I’m not really too worried about it right now.”

Booker is widely viewed as one of the top guard prospects in the NFL draft, and is expected to be a first-round draft pick if he declares.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.