Cardinals draft prospect Ty Simpson stuns Jon Gruden with trick play

Alabama QB's 'stumble bum' play against Oklahoma left the former NFL coach in disbelief

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting an abstracted football play, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of Ty Simpson's trick play showcases the quarterback's deceptive skills and creativity.Chicago Today

Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a projected draft target for the Arizona Cardinals, revealed a clever trick play he executed during a 2025 game against Oklahoma on the 'Gruden's QB Class' show. Simpson and running back Jam Miller intentionally stumbled in the backfield after the snap, only for Simpson to complete a 20-yard pass, leaving former NFL coach Jon Gruden stunned at the deception.

Why it matters

Trick plays can be a valuable tool for NFL quarterbacks to surprise and confuse defenses. Simpson's ability to execute an unorthodox play like the 'stumble bum' demonstrates his creativity and quick thinking, which could make him an attractive draft prospect for teams like the Cardinals looking to add dynamic playmakers to their offense.

The details

During Alabama's 23-21 home loss to Oklahoma on Nov. 15, 2025, Simpson and running back Jam Miller both intentionally lost their footing in the backfield after the snap. Despite the apparent stumble, Simpson was able to complete a 20-yard pass to wideout Kaleb Edwards, leaving former NFL coach Jon Gruden amazed at the deception. Simpson credited Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson for running a similar play when he was the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2022-24.

  • On Nov. 15, 2025, Simpson executed the 'stumble bum' trick play against Oklahoma.

The players

Ty Simpson

A projected NFL draft target for the Arizona Cardinals, Simpson is the former Alabama quarterback who executed a clever 'stumble bum' trick play against Oklahoma in 2025.

Jam Miller

The Alabama running back who intentionally stumbled in the backfield alongside Simpson as part of the 'stumble bum' trick play.

Kaleb Edwards

The Alabama wide receiver who caught the 20-yard pass from Simpson after the 'stumble bum' play.

Jon Gruden

The former NFL head coach who was left stunned and amazed by Simpson's execution of the 'stumble bum' trick play on his 'Gruden's QB Class' show.

Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears coach who previously ran a similar 'stumble bum' trick play when he was the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2022-24.

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What they’re saying

“This is a real play, I swear to you.”

— Ty Simpson

“That was the greatest ball-faking I've ever seen.”

— Jon Gruden, Former NFL Head Coach

What’s next

Simpson will look to showcase more of his creativity and playmaking ability as he prepares for the upcoming NFL draft, where he is projected to be a target for teams like the Arizona Cardinals.

The takeaway

Ty Simpson's execution of the 'stumble bum' trick play against Oklahoma demonstrates the kind of innovative thinking and deceptive skills that could make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to add dynamic playmakers to their offenses.