​When the Los Angeles Rams drafted former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the first person he hugged wasn’t his mom or dad. It was his younger brother, Graham Simpson, who rushed to celebrate with him as the moment of a lifetime arrived. Graham—a soon-to-be junior at Martin Westview in Tennessee—grew up idolizing his big brother and has stood by him every step of the way, from their days of chasing high school glory to Ty’s first-round selection in the NFL draft. “It was a dream turned into reality,” Graham said. “As his little brother, I started out as a ball boy for him, thinking he’d become the best high school player ever, win the Heisman, and all of that. Not everybody gets to have a brother like that… Going to the draft with him and being the first person he hugged when his name was called—it’s just amazing.”
A caption from Martin Westview’s Riverdale 7-on-7 tournament shows Graham in action, the Chargers’ quarterback delivering passes against Summit as Westview claimed the title after defeating Independence in the finals. Ty Simpson’s journey has helped set the foundation for what has already been a memorable high school career for his younger sibling. As a freshman, Graham threw for 4,135 yards and 57 touchdowns with just one interception, steering the Chargers to a state championship appearance and earning a spot as a Class 3A Mr. Football finalist. His sophomore season surpassed that momentum, guiding Westview to its first unbeaten campaign, a second state title in school history, and earning him Mr. Football honors for his class.
What motivates Graham now? A simple, driving goal: to do what his elder brother did—only better. Ty won the state title in his senior year and was named Mr. Football, and Graham wants to top that by surpassing his older brother’s achievements. “I say it all the time: he set the bar,” Graham said. “I love him to death, but he started one year in college. I want to start three or four years. If he got picked 13th, I want to be picked 12th or higher. He pushes me to that.” The moment of watching Ty go in the first round was a milestone he cherished, and he regards his brother as his best friend and strongest source of inspiration.
Following in Ty’s footsteps, Graham plans a February commitment after completing his junior season, a path echoing the history of his brother’s own recruitment. Back in 2021, Ty announced his commitment to Alabama on February 26, clearing the slate to focus on what would become a state title run in his senior year of high school. For Graham, the plan is similarly straightforward but remains widely open as he continues to refine his options. The recruitment landscape currently lists Graham as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in the 2028 class and the No. 14 player in Tennessee. He has already begun drawing Power Five offers, with more interest anticipated as college programs size up his development and pedigree. This family’s story—rooted in a shared ascent from local stardom to national recognition—continues to unfold as Graham charts his own path toward collegiate football glory.