Jalen Milroe: More Than Just a Football Player

Alabama QB (quarterback) Jalen Milroe recently got real with fans about his feelings on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

The 22-year-old started his series, “LANK” or “Let a naysayer know” in September 2024. The acronym became a popular catchphrase for Milroe and former cornerback Terrion Arnold during the 2023 season. 

Now, Milroe has capitalized on the saying and created a digital diary discussing football, family, and more. 

In his most recent episode, the quarterback touches on a huge topic: NIL

When asked about how he feels NIL has changed college football and college sports in general, Milroe had a lot to say.

“NIL has opened doors for a lot of athletes to now benefit from their Name, Image, and Likeness in a sense. Guys are just now being able to monetize their brand on the field and off the field, and they’re being able to branch out into a lot of great partnerships, avenues, and networking aspects.”

Milroe also highlighted how these deals benefit the universities. Brands that partner with star athletes often work with them to create promotional content to be shared on their owned media, as well as the players, thus contributing to their school’s brand through exposure they might not otherwise have.

Milroe has had several deals that have benefited him, brands, and the University of Alabama. Thanks to deals with big-name brands like Armani Beauty, Celsius, Beats by Dre, and more, he ended 2024 with over a $2.5 million valuation.

“I think it’s been very unique to see the start of NIL- see where it is right now and just see how it’s steadily evolving into what it is now.”

How NIL has allowed Milroe to unveil more of his personality

Milroe even detailed one trip in particular in which he went to New York City for NIL. He described his time there, emphasizing the new experiences.

“While I was in New York City, I was the new guy on the block in a sense, of just taking it all in… The best part about it [was that] I was around people that had been in New York City before so they were directing me where we were at, the food sports we were able to eat at, each place we went, to the people that I met.” 

During that trip, Milroe also participated in several photoshoots that he says allowed him to showcase a different side of himself.

“The photoshoots in New York, I thought it was a great experience to show my personality a little bit. Also, you know put in a different position when it comes to experiencing the photoshoots and meeting a lot of great venues now that branch out to everyone when it comes to magazines, when it comes to social media, when it comes to partnerships, all of that as a whole.”

Milroe’s advice

Milroe also shared some guidance for not just athletes but anyone entering college.

“Number one: figure out who your support system is. Can you trust them? Never take criticism from someone you would not get advice from.” 

The quarterback noted the importance of family and how he has been able to lean on them during his time at Alabama. 

Finally, despite the dominating role that football plays in his life, Milroe wants people to know that there is much more to him than the sport.

“I definitely stand behind [the fact] that I’m more than just a football player. I have interests and stuff that really means a lot to me off the field, [as well as] a lot of people that mean a lot to me that I get to bond without during the week and throughout the whole year.”

“Football is a sample size of who I am truly,” said Milroe. “There’s a lot to me that makes me unique besides football.”

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.