Tua Tagovailoa Snubs Jalen Milroe, Names His Top 5 Alabama Quarterbacks in Recent Interview
Tua Tagovailoa, former Alabama quarterback and current Miami Dolphins star, made headlines this week after revealing his personal list of the five greatest quarterbacks in Alabama football history — and the omission of current starter Jalen Milroe has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads.
In an exclusive interview following a Dolphins win this past Sunday, Tagovailoa was asked to rank the best quarterbacks to ever wear the Crimson Tide uniform. While he didn’t hesitate to include the usual legends — Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, and himself — the glaring absence of Milroe from the list has caused waves in the Alabama football community.
When asked about the top quarterbacks in Alabama history, Tagovailoa responded confidently, “There have been a lot of great QBs at Alabama. To me, the top five are Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, myself, AJ McCarron, and Greg McElroy. Those are the guys who set the standard, who won championships and changed the game.”
Tua’s Top 5:
- Joe Namath (1961–1964)
- Ken Stabler (1966–1968)
- Tua Tagovailoa (2017–2019)
- AJ McCarron (2010–2013)
- Greg McElroy (2007–2010)
Despite Milroe’s impressive play as Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2024, Tagovailoa’s decision not to include the dual-threat QB has raised eyebrows. Milroe has demonstrated flashes of brilliance with his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, and is seen by many as the future of Alabama’s offense. His performances have helped keep Alabama in contention for a potential playoff spot this season, and some fans feel Milroe has earned a place in the conversation alongside the program’s all-time greats.
“I don’t know what Tua’s thinking, leaving Jalen off that list,” said an Alabama fan on a popular online forum. “Jalen’s been fantastic this year and has shown he’s got the leadership and the tools to succeed long-term. It feels a little disrespectful to leave him out of that conversation, especially with the way he’s been playing.”
Tagovailoa’s Legacy at Alabama
While Tua’s exclusion of Milroe may have surprised some, there is no denying that Tagovailoa has an enduring legacy at Alabama. Tua helped lead the Tide to a national championship in 2018, most notably with his iconic game-winning touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Georgia. His accuracy, poise under pressure, and leadership set a new standard for Alabama quarterbacks.
However, Tua’s remarks about Milroe have fueled a broader debate about the current quarterback’s potential and future in Tuscaloosa. Many believe that Milroe’s talents, including his dual-threat capability and recent performances in high-stakes games, could eventually place him among Alabama’s best quarterbacks.
Jalen Milroe Responds to the Snub
Milroe, who has become the focal point of Alabama’s offense in 2024, appeared unfazed by Tua’s omission. In his weekly press conference, Milroe maintained a level-headed and humble response to the snub.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Tua and what he accomplished at Alabama,” Milroe said. “But right now, I’m just focused on doing my job and helping this team win. I’m not worried about lists or comparisons. My goal is to be the best I can be, and that means putting the team first.”
Milroe’s response exemplifies the maturity and poise he has displayed on and off the field. His leadership has been a key factor in Alabama’s successful campaign this season, and it’s clear he remains focused on improving his game, regardless of the external chatter surrounding his place in the program’s history.
Alabama Fans Weigh In
The debate over the top quarterbacks in Alabama’s storied football history is not likely to settle anytime soon. Alabama fans, known for their passionate support of their team, have already begun weighing in on social media and forums. Some fans are fully on board with Tua’s list, praising his own accomplishments and the impact he had on the Tide’s offense. Others believe that Milroe’s physicality and playmaking ability are worthy of recognition in the same breath as Alabama’s greatest signal-callers.
“It’s not fair to compare Jalen to guys like Tua or AJ McCarron right now,” said another fan. “But give the kid a couple more years, and I think he’ll be right up there in the conversation. He’s got the tools to be one of the best.”
For now, the debate continues. Whether Tua’s list is seen as a statement of confidence or a slight against the current quarterback, one thing is certain: Alabama’s history of great quarterbacks remains a hot topic, and the conversation around Jalen Milroe’s place in that history is just beginning.
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