A. J. McCarron

A. J. McCarron
refer to caption
McCarron with the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2023
Personal information
Born: (1990-09-13) September 13, 1990 (age 34)
Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High school:St. Paul's Episcopal
(Mobile, Alabama)
College:Alabama (2009–2013)
Position:Quarterback
NFL draft:2014 / round: 5 / pick: 164
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2023
Passing attempts:179
Passing completions:113
Completion percentage:63.1%
TDINT:6–3
Passing yards:1,192
Passer rating:86.6
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Raymond Anthony "A. J." McCarron Jr. (born September 13, 1990) is an American professional football quarterback. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, becoming the first quarterback to win consecutive BCS National Championship Games with victories in 2012 and 2013. McCarron also received the Maxwell, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, and Kellen Moore Awards.

McCarron was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft and played four seasons as a backup. He spent his next four seasons as a backup with the Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons, then spent two seasons as the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks, a team that played initially in the XFL and then the United Football League.

Early life

[edit]

McCarron was born to Dee Dee Bonner and Tony McCarron on September 13, 1990. His younger brother, Corey, played tight end at Alabama but transferred to play fullback at Middle Tennessee State.[1]

McCarron was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School from kindergarten to fourth grade before transferring to St. Paul's Episcopal School.[2] At the age of five, McCarron was severely injured in a jet-ski accident and almost died.[3] He first played football at Trimmier Park and then Langan Park in Mobile. McCarron played on the same park team as future college teammate Mark Barron. During McCarron's junior season of high school, St. Paul's went 14–1 and went on to win the state championship against Briarwood Christian School off a missed PAT. While attending St. Paul's, McCarron was recruited by several football programs in the Southeastern Conference, including Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi, and Tennessee.[4] On May 3, 2008, he committed to the Crimson Tide, becoming the only quarterback signed by Alabama for their 2009 recruiting class.[5]

McCarron capped off his high school football career at the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.[6]

College career

[edit]

2010 season

[edit]

In his first season at Alabama, McCarron accepted a redshirt and did not play during the season[7][8] as the team went 14–0 to capture the 2009 National Championship over the Texas Longhorns.[9] During his redshirt freshman year, McCarron did see some playing time, appearing in nine games as the Crimson Tide finished 10–3.[10][11] His first collegiate touchdown pass came during the season opener when he connected with wide receiver Julio Jones on a 29-yard pass against San Jose State.[12] McCarron passed for 389 yards and three touchdowns during the season. Against Auburn on Alabama's last possession McCarron came in for injured starter Greg McElroy. However, McCarron threw four straight incompletions to end the game as Auburn came back to win 28–27 after being down 24–0 in the second quarter.[13]

2011 season

[edit]

After a tight competition for the starting quarterback position during spring practices, McCarron was named as the co-starting quarterback alongside Phillip Sims for the team's 2011 season opener versus Kent State, and later became the de facto starter by starting in every game.[14][15] In his first collegiate start, McCarron threw for 226 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions as Alabama won 48–7.[16] His first road start for Alabama came the following week, as the Tide traveled to State College, Pennsylvania. McCarron's performance of 163 yards with no turnovers helped Alabama defeat Penn State by a score of 27–11,[17] which turned out to be the last loss for head coach Joe Paterno. Another solid performance, alongside running back Trent Richardson, helped McCarron get a victory in his first Southeastern Conference (SEC) start, a 38–14 win over #14 Arkansas.[18]

McCarron in 2010

During the course of his sophomore season, McCarron helped lead the Crimson Tide to a 11–1 overall record during the regular season, including 7–1 record in conference.[19] Alabama's only loss of the season came during a 9–6 overtime defeat at the hands of #1-ranked LSU.[20][21] During the game, McCarron completed 16-of-28 passes for 199 yards and an interception. By remaining unbeaten during the rest of the regular season, Alabama again met LSU at the Superdome for the national championship. His performance of 234 yards passing earned McCarron Offensive Player of the Game in a 21–0 rout of the Tigers.[22] During his first season as starting quarterback, McCarron threw for 2,634 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions[23] and led the team to the BCS National Championship.[24]

2012 season

[edit]
McCarron at quarterback during a game versus Western Carolina

McCarron had a strong start in his second year as starting quarterback for Alabama as the Crimson Tide started off the season with a 9–0 record.[25] His good start to the season, including a comeback victory over LSU, had several media members put McCarron as a dark horse candidate for the year's Heisman Trophy.[26][27] His first interception, and Alabama's first loss, of the season came in the team's tenth game of the season.[28]

In their first year in the SEC, Texas A&M and eventual Heisman-winner Johnny Manziel came into Bryant–Denny Stadium and upset Alabama 29–24. McCarron's second interception of the game seemingly sealed Alabama's loss, as he threw an interception on a fourth & goal pass with under two minutes remaining.[29] Both McCarron and Alabama rebounded to remain unbeaten during the rest of the regular season, which led them to the 2012 SEC Championship Game versus Georgia.[30] With the help of running back Eddie Lacy, Alabama battled the Bulldogs to win 32–28 and earn a shot to play for the 2013 BCS National Championship against No. 1 Notre Dame.[31]

On December 12, 2012, ahead of their game against Notre Dame, McCarron announced that he would be coming back to Alabama for his senior season.[32] On January 7, 2013, Alabama met Notre Dame for the 2013 BCS National Championship. The Fighting Irish were led by their defense and Heisman runner-up Manti Te'o to an unbeaten 12–0 regular season record.[33][34] However, their defense was overmatched as Alabama rolled 42–14 to capture their third BCS National Championship in four years behind McCarron's 264 yards and four touchdown passes,[35] which allowed him to become the first quarterback to win back-to-back BCS titles.[36] During his junior season, McCarron threw for a school-record 30 touchdown passes in a season,[37] as well as 49 touchdown passes over his career.[38] McCarron was named winner of the 2012 CFPA Quarterback Trophy on January 22, 2013.[39]

2013 season

[edit]

McCarron made the cover of Sports Illustrated's October 30, 2013, edition, which asked whether he was one of the best college players ever. At that time, McCarron (whose team was 10–0) was a long shot for the Heisman Trophy.[40]

As a senior in 2013, McCarron was again a second-team All-SEC selection.[41] During the season, he passed John Parker Wilson to become Alabama's all time passing yard leader.[42] Alabama started the season with an 11–0 record before facing Auburn in the Iron Bowl.[43] In the 34–28 loss, McCarron threw for 277 yards and three touchdowns, one of which was a 99-yard pass to Amari Cooper.[44] The loss knocked Alabama out of contention for the SEC Championship. The Crimson Tide finished their season in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma. In the 45–31 loss to the Sooners, McCarron had 387 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his final collegiate game.[45] He also broke Greg McElroy's record for passing yards in a season, with 3,063.[46] McCarron finished in second place in the Heisman Trophy voting that season.[47]

College statistics

[edit]
McCarron (10) drops back to attempt a pass against Kent State
Season Team Games Passing
GP GS Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Lng Y/G
2009 Alabama Redshirt Redshirt
2010 Alabama 13 0 30 48 62.5 389 3 0 47 29.9
2011 Alabama 13 13 219 328 66.8 2,634 16 5 69 202.6
2012 Alabama 14 14 211 314 67.2 2,933 30 3 85 209.5
2013 Alabama 13 13 226 336 67.6 3,063 28 7 99 248.5
Career 53 40 686 1,026 66.8 9,019 77 15 99 172.7

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

Coming out of Alabama, McCarron was projected by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts to be drafted in the second or third round. He was praised for his game management and decision making, with the potential to become an NFL starter.[48]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Wonderlic
6 ft 3+14 in
(1.91 m)
220 lb
(100 kg)
31+12 in
(0.80 m)
10 in
(0.25 m)
4.94 s 1.77 s 2.93 s 4.34 s 7.18 s 28.0 in
(0.71 m)
8 ft 3 in
(2.51 m)
22[49]
All values from NFL Combine[48][50]

Cincinnati Bengals (first stint)

[edit]

2014 season

[edit]

McCarron was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft with the 164th overall pick.[51] Along with University of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, McCarron's draft value drastically dropped during the draft, as he was the ninth quarterback selected, out of the total 14.[52] It was reported that teams felt during pre-draft interviews that he came across cocky and over-confident. When asked what his best attribute was during an interview at the combine, McCarron responded, "Winning!"[53]

On May 22, 2014, the Bengals signed McCarron to a four-year, $2.4 million contract with a $181,652 signing bonus.[54] In August 2014, he was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list due to shoulder soreness, meaning that McCarron would miss at least the first six weeks of the 2014 season.[55] With Andy Dalton entrenched as the starting quarterback for the Bengals, and veteran Jason Campbell as his backup, the Bengals did not plan for McCarron to see significant playing time during his rookie season.[55] On December 9, 2014, McCarron was activated after linebacker Vontaze Burfict was placed on injured reserve.[56]

2015 season

[edit]

McCarron was named the backup quarterback to begin the season after beating out Keith Wenning and Terrelle Pryor during training camp.[57]

During a Week 9 31–10 victory over the Cleveland Browns, McCarron appeared in his first career game.[58] Three weeks later, he completed his first career pass attempt for a three-yard completion in a 31–7 victory over the St. Louis Rams.[59] In the next game, McCarron completed two of three passes for 19 yards in a 37–3 road victory over the Browns.[60]

On December 13, 2015, starting quarterback Dalton fractured the thumb on his throwing hand while trying to make a tackle in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although the Steelers won 33–20, McCarron came in and recorded 280 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.[61][62] The following week, McCarron became the first Alabama quarterback to win an NFL game since Jeff Rutledge of the New York Giants in 1987.[63] In his first career start against the San Francisco 49ers, McCarron completed 15-of-21 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown during the 24–14 road victory.[64] The following week against the Denver Broncos, he threw for 200 yards and a touchdown in a 20–17 overtime road loss.[65] During the regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, McCarron recorded 160 passing yards and two touchdowns in the 24–16 victory.[66]

During the Wild Card Round against the Steelers, McCarron completed 23-of-41 passes for 212 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the narrow 18–16 loss, ending their season.[67]

2016 season

[edit]

In 2016, McCarron only played in one game and recorded no statistics in a Week 6 35–17 loss to the New England Patriots.[68]

2017 season

[edit]
McCarron in 2017

On October 31, 2017, the Bengals and Browns agreed on a deal to trade McCarron to Cleveland in exchange for a second and third-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. However, the Browns failed to file the paperwork to the NFL before the trade deadline, nixing the trade.[69] Four days later, it was reported that McCarron had filed a labor grievance against the Bengals asking to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2017 season as opposed to a restricted free agent. McCarron claimed that he was healthy enough to be removed from the non-football injury list during training camp in 2014 and that his rookie season should count as an accrued season towards unrestricted free agency.[70]

On February 15, 2018, McCarron won the grievance and became a free agent to begin the 2018 season, and received lost salary with interest from the 2014 season.[71] He finished the 2017 season completing seven of 14 passes for 66 yards in three games and no starts.[72]

Buffalo Bills

[edit]
McCarron in the 2018 preseason

On March 14, 2018, McCarron signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.[73] He competed for the starting quarterback position with second-year quarterback Nathan Peterman and rookie Josh Allen.[74] However, McCarron suffered a shoulder injury during a preseason game against the Browns. The injury was initially reported as a hairline fracture in his collarbone, which would have sidelined him for about 4–6 weeks.[75] Nonetheless, McCarron received a second opinion on the injury, which revealed no fracture, clearing him to participate in the next two preseason games, including a comeback victory over the Chicago Bears, where McCarron passed for three touchdowns and ran for another in the fourth quarter despite carrying a 0.0 passer rating the previous three quarters.[76]

Oakland Raiders

[edit]

On September 1, 2018, McCarron was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick (originally acquired from the Steelers).[77] He appeared in two games in relief of Derek Carr during the 2018 season, completing one of three passes for eight yards.[78]

McCarron was released on March 14, 2019, shortly after the beginning of the new NFL season.[79]

Houston Texans

[edit]

On March 20, 2019, McCarron signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans.[80] In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, McCarron recorded his first start since the 2015 season since the Texans were already locked into the #4-seed in the AFC and sat most of their starters as a result. McCarron finished the 35–14 loss with 225 passing yards and an interception to go along with 39 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 35–14 loss.[81]

On March 30, 2020, McCarron re-signed with the Texans.[82] He briefly entered the Week 14 matchup against the Bears after starter Deshaun Watson hurt his elbow, but McCarron was sacked on his lone play for a turnover on downs.[83] The Texans went on to lose on the road by a score of 36–7.[84] During the regular-season finale against the Titans, McCarron came into the game during the second quarter and threw a single pass for 20 yards in the 41–38 loss.[85]

Atlanta Falcons

[edit]

On April 30, 2021, McCarron signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.[86] He suffered a torn ACL in the Week 2 preseason game against the Miami Dolphins and was placed on season-ending injured reserve, ending his season before it even started.[87][88]

St. Louis BattleHawks (first stint)

[edit]

On November 15, 2022, McCarron was selected by the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL.[89][90] He later signed a contract with the team, worth between $100,000 to $200,000 a season.[91][92] McCarron quickly became a breakout star for the Battlehawks after two consecutive comeback victories in the first two weeks of the 2023 season. In a postgame interview, McCarron stated he chose to play in the XFL rather than take a more lucrative position as an NFL backup in order to give himself more on-camera playing time so his children could watch him play, which prompted XFL co-owner Dwayne Johnson to praise McCarron for his choice.[93][94]

In his final game of the 2023 regular season, McCarron went 28-of-35 on the day, throwing for 420 yards and six touchdowns — the yardage and touchdowns the most in a single game by an XFL passer in league history.[95] He also set a league record for single-season touchdown passes with 24 that year.[96][97]

Following the season, McCarron indicated that he was open to opportunities to return to the NFL, saying, "I'm not done playing."[98] He was released from his contract on September 23, 2023.[99]

Cincinnati Bengals (second stint)

[edit]

On September 23, 2023, the Bengals signed McCarron to their practice squad.[100] On December 4, he was signed to the active roster.[101]

McCarron saw his first in-season action with the Bengals in Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts, relieving starting quarterback Jake Browning during the third quarter after Browning exited the game for a thumb injury. McCarron completed one pass before Browning returned to the game the following drive.[102]

McCarron requested, and was granted his release on February 14, 2024.[103]

St. Louis Battlehawks (second stint)

[edit]

McCarron expressed hesitancy about returning to the Battlehawks after his stint with the Bengals ended, noting that the merged United Football League was unionized when the XFL players had voted against joining the union and that the new league's pay structure was less generous to quarterbacks than the XFL's was.[104] Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht reserved a roster spot for McCarron should he agree to return to the team.[105] He ultimately agreed to return to the league because he had grown to like the league and appreciated his role in it as a senior veteran.[106]

McCarron re-signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks on February 16, 2024.[107] He spent the 2024 season as the Battlehawks' starting quarterback. McCarron suffered an ankle injury during a Week 7 contest against the Birmingham Stallions but played through the injury for the rest of the game, stating at the time that he hoped to teach a lesson to his children; McCarron eventually returned for the end of the season and the XFL conference championship, where he again injured his ankle in a 25–15 loss to the San Antonio Brahmas. McCarron plans on having surgery to repair the ankle in the offseason, noting that there was a possibility it could end his playing career but that he wanted to continue having a part in the league even if it would be in a non-playing role.[106] On November 15, 2024, Becht released McCarron from his contract, stating that he felt that it was time for another quarterback, preferably someone on an NFL practice squad, to take the Battlehawks' reins in 2025.[108] In a post-release interview, McCarron indicated that he suspected he would not be on the Battlehawks roster for 2025 before the 2024 season ended and accused Becht of multiple wrongs, including forcing him to return to play at the end of the 2024 season while still injured, reneging on an agreement to issue a joint statement announcing his departure (as he found out about his release from his son), attempting to enforce a nonexistent reserve clause to forbid McCarron from signing with any other team unless the Battlehawks agreed to trade his rights, and portraying the departure as a retirement when McCarron fully intends on returning to professional football. McCarron expressed a desire to remain in the UFL, with a preference of staying in the XFL conference so he could beat Becht's team twice in a season, while also remaining open to signing with his home state team, the Stallions.[109]

Career statistics

[edit]

NFL statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2014 CIN 0 0 DNP
2015 CIN 7 3 2–1 79 119 66.4 854 7.2 66 6 2 97.1 14 31 2.2 16 0 1 1
2016 CIN 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2017 CIN 3 0 7 14 50.0 66 4.7 27 0 0 63.4 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2018 OAK 2 0 1 3 33.3 8 2.7 8 0 0 42.4 3 −2 0.7 0 0 1 0
2019 HOU 2 1 0–1 21 37 56.8 225 6.1 21 0 1 63.5 5 39 7.8 18 1 0 0
2020 HOU 2 0 1 1 100.0 20 20.0 20 0 0 118.7 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2021 ATL 0 0 Did not play due to injury
2023 CIN 2 0 4 5 80.0 19 3.8 10 0 0 82.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
Career 19 4 2–2 113 179 63.1 1,192 6.7 66 6 3 86.6 22 68 3.1 18 1 2 1

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2015 CIN 1 1 0–1 23 41 56.1 212 5.2 25 1 1 68.3 5 9 1.8 6 0 3 1
Career 1 1 0–1 23 41 56.1 212 5.2 25 1 1 68.3 5 9 1.8 6 0 3 1

XFL-UFL career statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2023 STL 9 9 6–3 203 295 68.8 2,150 7.3 24 6 108.4 29 100 3.4 1
2024 STL 8 8 6–2 164 255 64.3 1,582 6.2 15 4 98.9 19 75 3.9 1
Career 17 17 12-5 367 550 66.6 3,732 6.8 39 10 103.6 48 175 3.6 2

Personal life

[edit]

McCarron became engaged to model and longtime girlfriend Katherine Webb in March 2014.[110] They were married on July 12, 2014, in Orange Beach, Alabama. Webb announced on December 8, 2015, that she was four months pregnant with their first son, to whom she gave birth in May 2016. In December 2018, Webb gave birth to a second son.[111] In March 2021, she gave birth to the couple's third son.[112] McCarron is Catholic.[113]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Casagrande, Matt (August 7, 2015). "Former Alabama TE Corey McCarron transfers to team on Tide's 2015 schedule". AL.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  2. ^ Glier, Ray (November 4, 2011). "Alabama Has a Quarterback, McCarron, Who Can Win It". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  3. ^ Lopresti, Mike (January 5, 2013). "McCarron: From brink of death to brink of back-to-back titles". USA Today. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  4. ^ "AJ McCarron, 2009 Pro Style Quarterback". Rivals.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  5. ^ Estes, Gentry (May 3, 2008). "St. Paul's QB McCarron commits to Alabama". Mobile Press-Register. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
  6. ^ "U.S. Army All-American Bowl Alumni". goarmy.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  7. ^ "Freshman would likely play if Tide's McElroy gets injured". Sporting News. Associated Press. January 7, 2010. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
  8. ^ "Player Bio: AJ McCarron". University of Alabama Athletics. Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
  9. ^ Smith, Erick (January 7, 2010). "FINAL: Alabama beats Texas 37–21 for BCS National Championship". USA Today. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  10. ^ "A.J. McCarron 2010 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  11. ^ "2010 Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  12. ^ "No. 1 Alabama runs wild on San Jose State minus Mark Ingram, Marcell Dareus". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 4, 2010. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  13. ^ "Auburn vs. Alabama – Play-By-Play – November 26, 2010 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  14. ^ Kausler Jr., Don (August 28, 2011). "Alabama's ultimate challenge: Deciding between QB clones AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims a tough job". AL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  15. ^ Holley, Steve (July 16, 2012). "McCarron looks to build on 2011 success". alabama.rivals.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  16. ^ "AJ McCarron leads No. 2 Alabama over Kent State". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 3, 2011. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  17. ^ "AJ McCarron calmly leads No. 3 Alabama past No. 23 Penn State". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 10, 2011. Archived from the original on September 10, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  18. ^ "Trent Richardson's big day helps Alabama overwhelm Arkansas". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 24, 2011. Archived from the original on May 2, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  19. ^ "Alabama 2011 Schedule". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  20. ^ "LSU at Alabama Box Score, November 5, 2011". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  21. ^ "LSU kicks winning field goal in OT for defensive-minded win over Alabama". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 5, 2011. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  22. ^ "Alabama's D embarrasses LSU as five FGs, late TD seal national". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 9, 2012. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  23. ^ "A.J. McCarron 2011 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  24. ^ "BCS Championship – LSU vs Alabama Box Score, January 9, 2012". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  25. ^ "2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  26. ^ Fleming, David (November 14, 2012). "1 minute, 34 seconds". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  27. ^ Scarborough, Alex (October 28, 2012). "McCarron marches on". TideNation. ESPN. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  28. ^ "Texas A&M at Alabama Box Score, November 10, 2012". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  29. ^ "Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M pull upset as No. 1 Alabama's rally falls short". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 10, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  30. ^ Vint, Patrick (December 1, 2012). "Alabama vs. Georgia: SEC championship preview, TV schedule and odds". SB Nation. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  31. ^ "Alabama holds off Georgia, reaches BCS Championship Game". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 1, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  32. ^ "AJ McCarron to Return for Senior Season at Alabama". University of Alabama Athletics. December 12, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  33. ^ Greenberg, Steve (January 3, 2013). "BCS National Championship: Notre Dame defense bigger factor than experience". Sporting News. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  34. ^ Reyes, Lorenzo (January 6, 2013). "Notre Dame's nation-best red zone defense does not budge". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  35. ^ "Crimson Tide-Fighting Irish Game Review". USA Today. January 8, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  36. ^ Low, Chris (January 8, 2013). "Life's good for AJ McCarron". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  37. ^ Muma, Steven (January 7, 2012). "Alabama's AJ McCarron: Tide quarterback's stats, highlights and more". SB Nation. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  38. ^ "AJ McCarron guides Alabama to another title". CBS Sports. Associated Press. January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  39. ^ Faul, Allen (January 22, 2013). "Alabama QB AJ McCarron Earns 2012 CFPA Quarterback Trophy". Tide 100.9. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  40. ^ Myerberg, Paul (November 20, 2013). "'Sports Illustrated' cover asks: Is AJ McCarron one of the best ever? | For The Win". USA Today. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  41. ^ "2013 All-SEC Football Team Announced". SEC Digital Network. December 10, 2013.
  42. ^ Casagrande, Michael (November 10, 2013). "AJ McCarron passes John Parker Wilson as Alabama's career passing leader". AL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  43. ^ "2013 Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  44. ^ "Alabama at Auburn Box Score, November 30, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  45. ^ "Sugar Bowl – Oklahoma vs Alabama Box Score, January 2, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  46. ^ Gribble, Andrew (January 3, 2014). "An unkind farewell: Alabama QB AJ McCarron takes blame for Sugar Bowl loss, but teammates disagree". AL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  47. ^ "2013 Heisman Trophy Voting". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  48. ^ a b "2014 NFL Combine:Profile:AJ McCarron". NFL.com. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
  49. ^ "Historical NFL Wonderlic Scores". wonderlictestsample.com. Archived from the original on September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  50. ^ "2014 NFL Draft Scout A.J. McCarron College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  51. ^ Hanzus, Dan (May 10, 2014). "AJ McCarron drafted by Cincinnati Bengals at No. 164". NFL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  52. ^ "2014 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  53. ^ Coley, Harvey (May 14, 2014). "AJ McCarron hurt by reports". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  54. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals/AJ McCarron contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
  55. ^ a b Wesseling, Chris (August 30, 2014). "AJ McCarron placed on Cincinnati Bengals' NFI list". NFL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  56. ^ Marcum, Jason (December 9, 2014). "AJ McCarron activated; Vontaze Burfict placed on I.R. by Bengals". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  57. ^ "Bengals release Josh Johnson, making McCarron the backup QB". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 25, 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  58. ^ "Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – November 5th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  59. ^ "St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals – November 29th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  60. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – December 6th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  61. ^ Kay, Joe (December 13, 2015). "Bengals' Andy Dalton breaks thumb in loss to Steelers". BostonGlobe.com. Associated Press. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  62. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – December 13th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. December 13, 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  63. ^ Busbee, Jay (December 20, 2015). "AJ McCarron is the first Alabama QB to win in NFL since 1987". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  64. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at San Francisco 49ers – December 20th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  65. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – December 28th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  66. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - January 3rd, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  67. ^ "Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 9th, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  68. ^ "A.J. McCarron 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  69. ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (October 31, 2017). "Browns had deal for Bengals QB AJ McCarron, but failed to file paperwork on time". Cleveland.com. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
  70. ^ Schefter, Adam (November 5, 2017). "AJ McCarron files grievance vs. Bengals, wants to be unrestricted free agent in 2018". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  71. ^ Shook, Nick (February 15, 2018). "AJ McCarron wins grievance, will be free agent in March". NFL.com. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  72. ^ "A.J. McCarron 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  73. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (March 14, 2018). "Bills agree to terms with AJ McCarron on 2-year deal". NFL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  74. ^ Maiorana, Sal (August 3, 2018). "Hold on, Sean McDermott says there's no decision made on QB just yet". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  75. ^ "Report: Buffalo Bills quarterback A.J. McCarron fractures collarbone against Browns". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. August 17, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  76. ^ Warren, Matt (August 30, 2018). "Bills vs. Bears: five takeaways from Buffalo's lackluster preseason finale turned comeback win". Buffalo Rumblings. SB Nation. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  77. ^ "Raiders acquire quarterback AJ McCarron". Raiders.com. September 1, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  78. ^ "A.J. McCarron 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  79. ^ Schwab, Frank (March 14, 2016). "Raiders cut backup QB AJ McCarron, who they traded for in August". Yahoo News. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
  80. ^ "Texans sign free agent QB AJ McCarron". HoustonTexans.com. March 20, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  81. ^ "Titans clinch playoff spot with 35–14 win over Texans". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  82. ^ Wilson, Aaron (March 16, 2020). "Texans re-sign backup quarterback A.J. McCarron to $4 million deal". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  83. ^ "Texans' AJ McCarron: Fills in for one play". CBSSports.com. CBS Sports. December 14, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  84. ^ "Houston Texans at Chicago Bears – December 13th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  85. ^ "Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – January 3rd, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  86. ^ Deighton, John (April 30, 2021). "Falcons agree to terms with QB A.J. McCarron". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  87. ^ Hertel, Alyssa (August 23, 2021). "Falcons lose backup QB AJ McCarron for year after ACL tear, leaving them with two healthy quarterbacks". USA TODAY. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  88. ^ Alper, Josh (August 24, 2021). "Falcons make Josh Rosen signing, AJ McCarron move to injured reserve official". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  89. ^ Inabinett, Mark (November 15, 2022). "AJ McCarron chosen in XFL quarterback draft". AL.com. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  90. ^ "Meet XFL QBs: Stats, experience, what to know about the 15 quarterbacks". ESPN.com. November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  91. ^ "XFL Star AJ McCarron's Comeback & Wife Katherine Webb's Real Estate Triumph: A Dual Success Story". xflnewshub.com.
  92. ^ Mitchell, Mike (January 5, 2024). "D.C. Defenders: Jordan Ta'amu Fate, Changes, Dispersal Draft Options". Sports Illustrated UFL on FanNation News, Analysis and More. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  93. ^ Inabinett, Mark (February 24, 2023). "AJ McCarron, Battlehawks win at the end again in XFL". AL.com. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  94. ^ Chavkin, Daniel (February 24, 2023). "AJ McCarron After Back-to-Back XFL Comeback Wins: 'This Is Special'". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  95. ^ "Former Bengals QB AJ McCarron shatters XFL records on 6 TD outing". Bengals Wire. April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  96. ^ Smith, Stephen M. (April 24, 2023). "AJ McCarron sets XFL single-season record for touchdown passes". Touchdown Alabama. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  97. ^ "AJ McCarron sets XFL record for passing TDs". Saturday Down South. April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  98. ^ Inabinett, Mark (April 21, 2023). "AJ McCarron on football future: 'I'm not done playing'". al. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  99. ^ "XFL Transactions". XFL.com. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  100. ^ "Bengals Roster Moves: QB Signed to Practice Squad, DE Released". Bengals.com. September 23, 2023.
  101. ^ Roling, Chris (December 4, 2023). "Bengals send Cam Taylor-Britt to IR, sign QB AJ McCarron off practice squad". Bengals Wire. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  102. ^ "Bengals show out in integral AFC showdown, beat Indianapolis Colts 34-14". WCPO 9 Cincinnati. December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  103. ^ Ulrich, Logan (February 14, 2024). "Bengals Release QB A.J. McCarron". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  104. ^ Miller, Anthony (January 31, 2024). "AJ McCarron Unsure About Playing for UFL, St. Louis Battlehawks". Sports Illustrated UFL on FanNation News, Analysis and More. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  105. ^ "Expect a McCarron decision on a Battlehawks return in next two weeks". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  106. ^ a b Inabinett, Mark (June 10, 2024). "UFL season comes to an emotional end for AJ McCarron". AL.com. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  107. ^ "McCarron Returning to the Battlehawks". www.theufl.com. February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  108. ^ Frederickson, Ben (November 15, 2024). "BenFred: Can Battlehawks really do better than McCarron at QB? With Becht as coach, maybe". STLtoday.com. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  109. ^ Inabinett, Mark (November 19, 2024). "AJ McCarron reacts to being released by the St. Louis Battlehawks". al. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  110. ^ "He put a ring on it: AJ McCarron, Katherine Webb engaged". FOX Sports. March 28, 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  111. ^ Juneau, Jen (December 19, 2018). "It's a Boy! Katherine Webb-McCarron and AJ McCarron Welcome Son Cash Carter". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  112. ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (April 7, 2021). "Katherine Webb and AJ McCarron Welcome Third Son Gunnar Cruz: 'Your Brothers Are So Excited to Meet You'". People.com. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  113. ^ Culpepper, Ben (May 31, 2013). "Instagram photo of Alabama QB AJ McCarron's new Mobile skyline tattoo draws more criticism". WBMA. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
[edit]