Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback A. J. McCarron has hit the ground running in his first season in the XFL, leading the St. Louis Battlehawks to two thrilling comeback victories for a 2-0 start.
Aside from his performance on the field, McCarron received praise from XFL owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on Friday because of his decision to leave the NFL to pursue a career where he could “create memories” with his two young boys.
A. J. McCarron, #10 of the St. Louis Battlehawks, prepares to throw a pass against the San Antonio Brahamas at the Alamodome on Feb. 19, 2023 in San Antonio. (Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
“Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play,” Johnson said of McCarron in a tweet earlier Friday morning.
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“Now he’s 2-0 and led his team to back-to-back exciting last minute wins. I’d say he’s creating some memories for his boys. AJ’s decision means a helluva lot to me, personally.”
Johnson was referring to remarks McCarron made last week regarding his decision to pursue a career in the XFL over the NFL, where he served as backup quarterback to teams including the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders.
A. J. McCarron, #5 of the Atlanta Falcons, looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 13, 2021 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. That’s a big reason I chose to return this way,” McCarron said, via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“I probably could’ve tried to come back with an NFL team and had a chance to probably make bigger money, but no one knows what the future holds. I’m enjoying this, and it’s a great way to create some memories for me and my boys.”
The Battlehawks defeated the Seattle Sea Dragons on Thursday night, 20-18, after McCarron led his team to a fourth quarter comeback. Placekicker Donny Hageman, who played at San Diego State before moving on to the Arena Football League, solidified the win with a 44-yard field goal.
A. J. McCarron. #10 of the St. Louis Battlehawks, scrambles against the San Antonio Brahamas at the Alamodome on Feb. 19, 2023 in San Antonio. (Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
McCarron completed 22 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown in that game. He also rushed for 41 yards and another score on the ground.
“Ever since I came out of college I’ve been counted out a little bit,” McCarron said after the game. “And it’s just fun to come out here and play. I miss playing, not always just being a backup and that’s a great living. It really is and I absolutely love it but I love playing.This is special and I can’t thank the XFL enough.”
