Former Alabama star A.J. McCarron is making a comeback in the UFL this spring. The former Alabama quarterback has decided to part ways with the Cincinnati Bengals and join the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks. McCarron, 33, was a prominent player for the Crimson Tide from 2009 to 2013, winning three national titles during his time there.
McCarron is no stranger to spring pro football, having played for the Battlehawks in 2023 with the XFL. He was named the MVP of the league and led in various categories including touchdowns, completion percentage, and passer rating. In just nine games, McCarron threw for an impressive 2,150 yards and 24 touchdowns with only six interceptions.
The news of McCarron’s return has sparked excitement among fans and insiders alike. Pro Football Newsroom insider James Larsen expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Huge for the city. QB1 back in action.”
Training camp for UFL players is set to begin on February 24, with the season officially starting on March 30. McCarron will have the opportunity to return to the Bengals after the UFL season, just as he did after the XFL campaign. This season, the XFL has merged with the USFL to create a unified spring league.
It is clear that McCarron’s passion for the game is unwavering, as he requested to be released from the Bengals in order to rejoin his former UFL team, the St. Louis Battlehawks. His dedication to playing the sport is truly admirable.
McCarron’s NFL Journey: From Bengals to Battlehawks and Back Again
AJ McCarron, the former Bengals quarterback, has had a rollercoaster of a career in the NFL. After being drafted by the Bengals in 2014, McCarron spent four seasons as a backup to Andy Dalton. In 2018, he had stints with the Buffalo Bills and the Oakland Raiders before joining the Houston Texans in 2019. McCarron’s journey continued in 2020 when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, but unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an ACL tear. However, McCarron’s luck turned around in 2022 when he was drafted by the Battlehawks, giving him a chance for a comeback. And in 2023, McCarron made his triumphant return to the Bengals.
McCarron’s early success in the NFL came during the 2015 season when he stepped in for Dalton and led the team to two wins in three starts. He threw for 854 yards and six touchdowns, showing promise as a young quarterback. However, McCarron’s opportunities were limited in the following years, and he only made one start for the Texans in 2019, resulting in a loss.
Despite his experience, McCarron had limited playing time with the Bengals this past season, even with Joe Burrow’s injury. He only appeared in two games and threw a total of five passes. It seems that McCarron’s time as a starter may be behind him, but he remains hopeful for the future.
Before his NFL career, McCarron was a star in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. He excelled in both football and baseball at St. Paul’s Episcopal and earned All-State honors. McCarron’s talent caught the attention of Nick Saban, who recruited him to play for the University of Alabama. McCarron had a successful college career, earning a Heisman Trophy runner-up title in 2013.
Reflecting on his time with Saban, McCarron spoke highly of his former coach, saying that Saban had accomplished everything he set out to do. McCarron’s admiration for Saban is evident, and he believes that Saban’s legacy is unmatched.
In conclusion, AJ McCarron’s journey in the NFL has been filled with ups and downs. From being a backup to getting a chance for a comeback, McCarron has experienced the highs and lows of professional football. Despite limited playing time in recent years, McCarron’s talent and determination continue to shine through. Only time will tell what the future holds for this resilient quarterback.
According to the Source heavy.com