LOS ANGELES − If you’ve seen Jalen Milroe’s miracle touchdown pass against Auburn, or you’ve seen other mind-bending highlights from Alabama’s starting quarterback, you’ve also probably seen his megawatt smile.
It also serves as a mask.
“That is something my mama said to me growing up, always keep a smile on your face,” Milroe told USA TODAY Sports Saturday. “Never let someone see they affected you.”
He’s been benched. He’s been booed. Through it all, his facial muscles often looked incapable of forming into a frown.
“Sometimes you have to smile through the pain,” said his mother, Lola.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe smiles during Rose Bowl media day.
This past week, as Alabama (12-1) has prepared to face Michigan (13-0) Monday in the Rose Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Milroe has revealed some of that once-hidden pain.
Most notably, he said Bill O’Brien, Alabama’s former offensive coordinator, told him he should not play quarterback and instead look for another position.
“So look who gets the last laugh,” Milroe said, without laughter.
Despite getting benched during the third game of the season, Milroe’s confidence remained intact as he developed into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country. Doubts about his ability to succeed 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young this season as Alabama’s starting quarterback have all but disappeared.
“Nothing changed about me,” said Milroe, 21, a redshirt sophomore. “The only thing that changed was that I had the opportunity and I seized it.”
Jalen Milroe knows looks can be deceiving
“When you look at me, you don’t think I play quarterback,” the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder told reporters. “You think I play DB, tight end. You don’t think I play quarterback. Growing up when I went to camp they labeled me as a receiver or they saw me as not…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rocket-arm-speed-megawatt-smile-123058638.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2023-12-31 12:30:58
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