Seahawks QB Jalen Milroe Has 3-Word Response to His First Preseason Start

On Saturday, Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe got his first NFL start. Granted, it was a preseason game, but it was still a milestone for the young passer.

“Yeah, what a dream come true to have my first start in an NFL game, no matter when it is,” Milroe said after the game. “I wanna thank [Seattle head coach Mike] Macdonald, the whole offensive staff, for allowing me to take my first start.”

Milroe started and finished the game, getting a chance for a full game of reps, something he’ll need more of to continue his development. He finished the game with 148 passing yards and a touchdown on 13/24 throwing, adding 31 rushing yards on seven carries.

Jalen Milroe Grateful for the Opportunity

Soobum Im/GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 15: Jalen Milroe #6 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Cooper McDonald #59 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

“It was just a great opportunity,” Milroe said about getting the preseason start. “Just to be on the field — and especially here in Lambeau Field, what a historic venue. So it was just a great opportunity. It was a lot fun, to be out there, to be able to compete. So now it’s just about building upon today as an offense.”

“No matter [if it’s] good, bad, or ugly, keep on going,” Milroe replied when asked about what he learned through the experience. “Keep fighting. Keep being starving, have an optimistic mindset as you approach the field — despite everything. Good, bad, or different, you gotta be the same person every day. You gotta keep on being encouraging on the sideline, you gotta keep on having that hunger mentality as you approach every single rep that you have.”

Jalen Milroe Battling for Position but Currently Third on Depth Chart

Sam Darnold was signed to be the Seahawks’ starter in free agency. Darnold spent last year with the Vikings, where he revitalized his career after having limited success at his previous stops, most notably with the New York Jets where he was the No. 3 overall pick in 2018.

Drew Lock spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as the backup in Seattle before playing for the New York Giants in 2024. He returns to Seattle this year to reprise his backup quarterback duties, and should be Darnold’s replacement on game days if need be.

Milroe is firmly third on the Seahawk’s depth chart, but that could change in time. Lock has been the subject of a few trade rumors, and while it’s unlikely the Seahawks would consider moving him, they could try and recoup some value if they feel confident in Milroe.

Regardless, Milroe’s goal this season is development. He was a high-variance player during his career at Alabama — strong-armed, athletic, and able to read the field, but he struggled with inaccuracy and inconsistency at times. Right now, he needs to improve his down-to-down performance and pocket awareness, something that will likely be a focus of his time in Seattle.