AJ McCarron was not in the NFL during the 2022 season, but he has returned to his professional beginnings.
McCarron was added to the Bengals practice squad in advance of Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season in order to add depth at quarterback. The Patriots had selected Will Grier from the Cincinnati practice squad, leaving Jake Browning as the only quarterback on the team while Joe Burrow was sidelined with a calf injury.
In the end, Reid Sinnett was selected to start at quarterback for the Bengals’ “Monday Night Football” game against the Rams, replacing McCarron as the team’s third-string quarterback. But after his return, McCarron’s return to the Bengals’ roster was undoubtedly a victory.
McCarron was Alabama’s star player. Before carving out an NFL career as a backup, he became one of the most successful quarterbacks in school history by winning three national titles in college—two of which he won as a starter—early in the 2010s.
But McCarron was able to return to the XFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks after missing the 2022 season due to injury. He was able to play in the NFL for a ninth season as a result.
However, what motivated McCarron to play in the XFL and why was he removed from the NFL? Take a peek at the factors that contributed to the seasoned NFL backup’s successful return.
According to an AL.com transcription, McCarron stated, “I’m just ready, waiting for a call. You never know what your future holds, what it is in this game.” “But right now, I’m enjoying my time off and being able to be a dad and being around my three boys for the first time in a while.”
McCarron did not receive that call, and he did not play in the 2022 season. He did not, however, give up on football, as he participated in the 2023 spring league season with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL.
Leading the Battlehawks to a 7-3 record, McCarron completed 68.8% of his passes for 2,150 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. That proved enough to the Bengals.
