Jalen Milroe will remember Sunday at Talladega for a long time. The Alabama Crimson Tide’s quarterback had the chance to meet with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who is the co-owner of 23XI Racing.
Jordan’s team took part in the Geico 500. It’s an annual NASCAR racing event that draws massive crowds. 23XI racer Tyler Reddick bagged this year’s edition. He stole the win under the noses of two close competitors, Brad Keselowski and Michael McDowell.Â
After the race, Milroe went to take a picture with Michael Jordan near the pit area.Â
Jordan then gave a press interview and spoke about the win.
For us to win a big race like this, it means so much to me for the effort that the team has [put in]. I love it. It replaces a lot of the competitiveness that I had in basketball. This is even worse because I have no control.
Michael Jordan said
2024 will be a big year for Jalen Milroe at Alabama
For the first time since Milroe became a Crimson Tide, he will not have veteran head coach Nick Saban in the locker room. Saban announced his retirement from the game and accepted an advisory position with the program.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (#4) is congratulated as he comes off stage after the trophy presentation at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 27-24 to claim the SEC Championship. (Image via IMAGO)Alabama did not waste any time replacing Saban with former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer, who guided the Huskies to the CFP finals in 2023. It shouldn’t be too difficult for DeBoer to get the best out of Milroe because there are lots of similarities between his former quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., and the 21-year-old.
Saban was like a guardian angel for Milroe, who always stuck by his quarterback, even through stern criticism.
[DeBoer] continues to prove why he was the guy for this job. You want to play for a coach like this. I’m super excited to play under Coach DeBoer.
Jalen Milroe on what he thinks about his new coach
The Tide squeezed into the playoffs last season after the college football committee rejected Florida State’s eligibility. However, they fell at the first hurdle against the eventual CFP Champions, the Michigan Wolverines.Â
2024 will be a new chapter, and Milroe is looking forward to it.Â
We want to be the best version of ourselves every single time we touch the field. The biggest thing is that we don’t want to be satisfied. We all have room to grow.
Jalen Milroe said per ESPN
Even though they failed in the postseason, Alabama is still the SEC champion. Milroe was even part of the All-SEC Second Team after throwing for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 531 rushing yards and 12 scores in 2023.
