May 13, 2026, 3:42 AM CUT
Ty Simpson Shrugs Off Sean McVay's Frustrated Gesture Following Draft Decision
Credits: Imago INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks down the sideline during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams on December 14, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251214283 January 01, 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson 15 in action during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Mandatory Photo Credit : /CSM Pasadena United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20260101_zma_c04_517 Copyright: xCharlesxBausx
Credits: Imago INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks down the sideline during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams on December 14, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251214283 January 01, 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson 15 in action during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Mandatory Photo Credit : /CSM Pasadena United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20260101_zma_c04_517 Copyright: xCharlesxBausx
Los Angeles Rams stunned fans with the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. Sean McVay seemed frustrated during the post-draft press conference, which raised questions across the NFL. But Simpson brushed off any concerns.
“I didn't really see it,” the quarterback said in an interview with NBC Sports. “I know one thing, though. Coach McVay has been in contact, and he’s super fired up."
Shortly after the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in Los Angeles, the Rams used their top selection on the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback. Many expected them to add a pass-catching target for Matthew Stafford this season, yet the team ultimately chose a long-term answer at quarterback.
There initially appeared to be little enthusiasm from McVay regarding the Simpson selection. But after the first day of the NFL Draft, he kept his remarks short, stating that his draft-room conversation with Simpson would remain private.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270757
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 27 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602270757
The head coach also confirmed that the rookie would compete with Stetson Bennett for a roster role. While Simpson did not appear concerned by the gesture, he focused on his feelings.
"And I'm super excited," he said. "I know that I couldn't have asked for a better situation, not only with the best player in the league in front of me but the best coach in the league at the helm."
Simpson will have the chance to develop behind Stafford while learning from McVay, one of the NFL’s most respected head coaches. Under him, the Rams have reached the playoffs seven times in nine seasons and captured a Super Bowl championship in 2021.
Rather than adding fuel to the growing situation, the rookie quarterback focused on the opportunity. However, a sports analyst and former NFL quarterback dropped an update.
Chris Simms Explained the Context Behind Sean McVay's Reaction on Draft Night
As McVay seemed grumpy as the Rams selected Simpson as the 13th overall pick, questions started to circulate among the fans.
According to NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms, McVay was visibly tense due to a situation that happened because of some disagreement that led McVay to express his discomfort that night.
“There was some little argument about something," Simms said. "He assured me it was nothing like major, but he was a little p*** *** right there at that moment. That’s what he told me. I don’t think he’d have any problem with me sharing that.”
Seen as one of the draft’s safer quarterback prospects, the 23-year-old gave the Rams a developmental option for the future in case Stafford leaves after 2026. Simpson will continue developing behind the former NFL MVP.
So, if Simpson lives up to expectations in Los Angeles, whatever had Sean McVay upset that night will no longer matter.
What are your views on McVay's reaction? Comment!
Read more at Quarter Back Central.
Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar