Los Angeles Rams' first-round draft pick Ty Simpson made an impressive preseason debut, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in a comeback victory.



The Los Angeles Rams’ first-round draft pick said a Bible verse and encouraging words from his father calmed his nerves before a preseason game Saturday in which he showcased his potential.

Quarterback Ty Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns as the visiting Rams overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Kansas City 20-12.

Neither team’s starting quarterback played, but Simpson nevertheless displayed the talent that led the Rams to select him in the first round out of Alabama – a somewhat surprising pick considering Los Angeles already has reigning MVP Matthew Stafford under center. The thinking, though, is that the 23-year-old Simpson will learn behind Stafford, 38, before eventually taking over when the veteran retires.

Simpson said during a postgame news conference that he felt comfortable on the field – as if he were “playing in the backyard in Martin” – a reference to his hometown in Tennessee. He also said encouraging pregame words from his father gave him peace before the game. His dad is Jason Simpson, the head football coach at the University of Tennessee-Martin.

It was Simpson’s first on-field action in an NFL game. His parents attended.

“My dad just talked to me like I was four years old – you know, ‘catch every snap, make the easy ones easy, and go do what you love’ and ‘I love you.’

“He sends me a Bible verse every day, every time, and just a quote to give glory back to Him. And it was just really cool. I felt calm, felt really comfortable. Especially when I have family members texting me, it’s a comforting feeling.”

Faith has long been central to Simpson’s life, and he frequently credited Jesus during postgame television interviews while at Alabama.

Last October, he joined several star teammates for a night of worship and testimonies at Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“We kind of go by this motto in the Simpson household: How can you have a bad day knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for you? … No matter where I’m at, no matter what happens, God died for me,” he said at the service.

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