$30 Million Dilemma Looms Over Jalen Milroe and Quinn Ewers as Joel Klatt Offers Blunt Advice
In college football, the stakes have never been higher, not just on the field but in terms of financial opportunity. As NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals continue to reshape the landscape, players like Jalen Milroe of Alabama and Quinn Ewers of Texas find themselves at a crossroads—balancing their football futures with the massive financial opportunities that await them in the world of professional football. With the possibility of up to $30 million contracts looming on the horizon, Joel Klatt, a prominent college football analyst, has given blunt advice to both quarterbacks on how they should approach this critical juncture in their careers.
The $30 Million Question
For many college athletes, particularly in high-profile sports like football, the prospect of turning professional is no longer just about making it to the NFL—it’s about the money. With NIL deals now allowing players to secure significant income while still in school, the decision to enter the draft has a new layer of complexity.
For Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s dual-threat quarterback, and Quinn Ewers, Texas’ highly-touted signal-caller, the financial decisions are especially pressing. Both quarterbacks have displayed immense potential on the field, but each faces a different path to the NFL. Milroe, despite showing flashes of brilliance, has been inconsistent, while Ewers has showcased high-level talent but still needs to prove he can sustain it over a full season.
A report suggests that both players could potentially command contracts worth up to $30 million once they enter the NFL, a number that could grow with strong performances in their respective seasons. However, their decisions—whether to stay in college for another year or declare for the draft—will significantly impact their future earnings and development as athletes.
Joel Klatt’s Blunt Advice
Joel Klatt, a respected voice in college football commentary, has been outspoken about the evolving dynamics in the sport, especially in relation to NIL. Klatt’s advice to Milroe and Ewers, however, is grounded in a simple truth: they need to focus on their long-term development and not just the immediate financial windfall.
Klatt, who has extensive knowledge of the game and the NFL draft process, urged both quarterbacks to prioritize their careers over short-term gains. He emphasized that a well-timed decision to enter the NFL draft could result in far greater earning potential in the long run, but only if they are adequately prepared.
“The temptation is real, but it’s about knowing your worth in the league, not just how much you can make right now,” Klatt said. “If you rush into the draft without having the necessary experience or skill set, you could be leaving millions on the table and setting yourself up for a shorter career.”
Klatt’s advice also highlights the delicate balance between NIL deals and a player’s development. With so many college athletes signing lucrative endorsement contracts, it’s easy to be enticed by the immediate rewards. However, rushing into professional football—whether for money or to chase immediate glory—can sometimes be counterproductive if a player’s game isn’t fully developed.
The NFL Draft vs. NIL Dollars
The allure of entering the NFL draft is undeniable for top college players. The chance to play at the highest level of football, secure a multi-million-dollar contract, and be recognized as a pro athlete is a dream come true for many. However, the decision to declare for the draft comes with risks.
Both Milroe and Ewers are talented quarterbacks, but the NFL is notoriously unforgiving to players who enter the league too early without fully developed skills. If either player doesn’t have a standout season or further refines their craft, they could fall down draft boards, reducing their earning potential or even causing them to miss out on a first-round selection.
At the same time, staying in college another year could give them the opportunity to develop further and raise their draft stock, potentially leading to even larger contracts down the road. But for players like Milroe and Ewers, who are already in the spotlight, every extra year in college may come with its own challenges—such as increased pressure to perform or the potential for injury.
Making the Right Call
The next few months will be crucial for both Milroe and Ewers. Both quarterbacks will need to weigh the financial benefits of declaring for the NFL draft against the value of another season to hone their skills. Ultimately, their decisions will reflect a balance between short-term gratification and long-term success.
For Jalen Milroe, improving his consistency in the passing game and leading Alabama to a successful season could solidify his draft stock and help him make a case for a high-paying rookie contract. For Quinn Ewers, showcasing the kind of accuracy and poise that made him one of the top high school quarterbacks in recent memory could make him a first-round pick and set him up for a lucrative future.
Klatt’s blunt advice is rooted in a realistic understanding of the challenges that lie ahead for these young quarterbacks. While NIL money can make the college experience financially rewarding, the true test for Milroe and Ewers will be whether they’re ready for the NFL and its intense competition. For them, the $30 million dilemma isn’t just about the immediate payday—it’s about ensuring a successful career that extends far beyond their college days.
As college football continues to evolve in this new era, the decisions made by players like Jalen Milroe and Quinn Ewers will offer important lessons about the intersection of athletics, business, and personal growth in the modern sports landscape.