Jalen Milroe Wins Super Bowl as Rookie Backup QB

Alabama QB learns from veteran mentors Drew Lock and Sam Darnold in first NFL season

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:23am

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Jalen Milroe, the former Alabama quarterback, achieved a remarkable milestone in his rookie NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks, becoming the first Alabama QB to win a Super Bowl. Despite limited game action as the third-string QB, Milroe gained invaluable experience learning from veteran quarterbacks Drew Lock and Sam Darnold, absorbing lessons on reading defenses, understanding offenses, and maintaining a resilient mental approach.

Why it matters

Milroe's historic Super Bowl win as a rookie backup QB is a testament to the value of veteran mentorship in the NFL. His ability to learn from Lock and Darnold's experiences on multiple teams highlights how crucial it is for young QBs to soak up knowledge from seasoned players, which can accelerate their development and prepare them for future starting roles.

The details

Milroe appeared in only 3 games during the regular season, with his debut marred by a fumble. However, he remained an active part of the QB room, observing Lock and Darnold and gaining insights on reading defenses, understanding offenses, and maintaining mental focus. Darnold, the Seahawks' starting QB, played a key role in welcoming Milroe and fostering engagement within the QB group, prompting them to analyze the game proactively.

  • Milroe made his NFL debut early in the 2022 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • On Super Bowl Sunday, Milroe became the first Alabama quarterback to win a Super Bowl as a rookie.

The players

Jalen Milroe

A 23-year-old quarterback who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and became the first Alabama QB to win a Super Bowl as a rookie.

Drew Lock

A veteran quarterback with 7 years of NFL experience who served as a mentor to Milroe during his rookie season with the Seahawks.

Sam Darnold

The starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who has 8 years of NFL experience and also served as a mentor to Milroe.

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What they’re saying

“They've been on multiple teams, and they've seen so many defenses, which builds confidence and enables quicker decision-making on the field.”

— Jalen Milroe, Quarterback

“It wasn't pretty all the time, but always having that next play mentality, that was key.”

— Jalen Milroe, Quarterback

“Tell me what you see. Let's have some fun and tell me what you see.”

— Sam Darnold, Quarterback

What’s next

Milroe remains under the mentorship of Darnold and Lock, as he continues to develop through virtual reality sessions, scout team participation, and targeted weekly training to prepare for a potential future starting role.

The takeaway

Milroe's rookie season highlights the immense value of veteran quarterback mentorship in the NFL. By learning from experienced players like Darnold and Lock, Milroe was able to accelerate his development and make history as the first Alabama QB to win a Super Bowl as a rookie, demonstrating the importance of embracing a growth mindset and soaking up knowledge from seasoned professionals.