Everyone who has followed XFL football in its 2023 relaunch is aware of AJ McCarron’s resurgence into the football world’s spotlight. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star has had a hot start to the XFL 2023 season, with two-straight road wins. Emotional, McCarron spoke after each win on the importance of this league, not just to his career, but to his family.
This is what the XFL is all about.
Always cuts deeper when we can identify our “why” we do what we do.
Incredible come from behind win from the @XFLBattlehawks led by QB @10AJMcCarron.
Beautiful moment brother.
Hug ‘em tight – they’re our “why” #XFL #Week1 @espn pic.twitter.com/76FkWY0DO6— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 22, 2023
AJ McCarron Making Core Memories in the XFL:
AJ McCarron, known for his time as the Cincinnati Bengals’ backup quarterback, has lit the spring football world ablaze with two enthralling come-from-behind wins to start the St. Louis Battlehawks XFL 2023 campaign. For McCarron, it isn’t just about football though, as he says he wanted to “create memories” for his children. League owner, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, heavily praised McCarron for this. It is an admirable decision to make for a parent, pursuing less money for a chance to give his kids the unique opportunity to watch him play some fantastic football.
In a tweet Friday morning, after AJ McCarron led his St. Louis Battlehawks to a comeback win against the Seattle Seadragons during the XFL’s Thursday night game, Johnson said, “Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play,” “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.”
Takes less money signing with us over the @NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play. 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. #XFL https://t.co/AZG6EiIy9Z
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 24, 2023
Johnson, referring to McCarron’s choice to play in the XFL over the NFL, in which he served a number of years as a backup for teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Las Vegas Raiders. His reasoning: “My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. That’s a big reason I chose to return this way,” McCarron said, to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Adding, “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.”
Another Win for AJ McCarron’s Battlehawks in the XFL 2023 Season:
On Thursday night, McCarron and crew defeated the Seattle Sea Dragons, a team with plenty of star power of their own. This came after a late fourth-quarter comeback, in which McCarron took his team downfield, setting up former San Diego State kicker, Donny Hageman, for the go-ahead field goal. Winning 20-18, McCarron completed 22 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown, adding 41 yards rushing as well.
Going on to prove this isn’t just for his kids, McCarron added, “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.” Yet again, McCarron was emotional after his team’s victory, stating, “Ever since I came out of college I’ve been counted out a little bit.” Right now, he is using this opportunity to revive the love he has for football and make memories for his children along the way.
Most players in spring football, are fighting for a chance to make it to, or back to the NFL. An opportunity to fulfill the never-ending dream of success at the highest level of competitive football. That is and will remain the goal of these leagues throughout their history, giving players another chance to highlight their skills for teams at the next level. McCarron on the other hand is content where he is, with this family and on the field.
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