“I’m So Proud of Your Son”: Charles Barkley Dotes Over 21YO Star and His Parents as Infuriating Adversity Finally Sees End

Jalen Milroe announced he is returning for another season at Alabama after skipping the NFL draft. Someone more ecstatic than his team and parents is Charles Barkley. The football-loving NBA legend was left in awe of the Alabama quarterback both on and off the gridiron. So when he was in front of Milroe’s father, he made it known.

“I’m so proud of your son…when he got benched I watched the next game and he was the first guy out of the tunnel, he was pumping up the other QBs, being a great teammate… I said ‘Man, that dude’s got some good parents because the way he handled adversity’,” Barkley told Quentin Milroe, Jalen’s father, on The Next Round.

Milroe announced his return to Crimson Tide for his senior season on The Next Round alongside his father. He led the team to a 12-1 record and the SEC Championship. As Barkley said, the 21-year-old handled a rough collegiate career with remarkable patience.

Enrolled in Alabama since 2021, Jalen Milroe was redshirted as a backup to Bryce Young. He saw very little action in the 2022 season too. Competing for the starting position after Young’s departure in 2023 wasn’t easy. He was benched in week 3 but was later back in the lineup to lead Crimson Tide to 11 straight wins.

WATCH THIS STORY | Shaquille O’Neal Surprises “Dummy” Charles Barkley on New Show Premiere With Mystery Call

Barkley’s favorite football coach, Nick Saban, said, “We wouldn’t be here without his transformation,” about Milroe’s return. Always rooting for Alabama after his alma mater, Auburn, Barkley was glad he had the opportunity to convey his regards to the Milroes.

Charles Barkley’s admiration has no bounds

A couple of weeks before Milroe’s decision, Barkley was on the same podcast expressing his wish to meet Jalen and his parents.

“I really want to meet his parents because I’ve heard some stuff about them, I think they both were in the service.” Quentin and Lola Milroe do have military backgrounds. And Chuck holds military veterans, teachers and nurses in high regard.

“I want to tell his mom and dad what a good young man they raised,” Barkley added. He again referenced how the quarterback kept his team pumped, proving being benched doesn’t mean you’re not on the team. When Coach Saban called him up, Barkley saw Milroe strive to be worthy of his starting position.

READ MORE: Charles Barkley Takes on “Biggest Clowns in the World” to Reassure Failing CNN Show’s Team

In the new year, Alabama faces off Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl. We can guess who Chuck’s putting his money on.