Former Tide QB Gets High Praise From The Rock For Decision To Play In XFL

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former University of Alabama and NFL quarterback A.J. McCarron is one of the most celebrated signal-callers in school history, but recently received high praise from one of the biggest celebrities in the world for his decision to try his hand in the fledgling XFL.

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a part-owner of the new professional football league and said McCarron turned down larger contracts to be a backup in the NFL, in exchange for playing in a league where his kids can actually watch him play the game.

"Takes less money signing with us over the [NFL] because he wanted his little boys to see him play," Johnson said on Twitter Friday. "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."

After his time at Alabama, McCarron was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and played four seasons as a backup, before spending the next four seasons as a backup with the Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons.

He was then drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL following the 2021 season.

"My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube," McCarron told FOX Sports. "That's a big reason I chose to return this way... 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."

Over the first two games of the 2023 campaign, McCarron had completed 40-of-62 passes for 374 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The Battlehawks will be back in action Sunday, March 5 at noon when they travel to take on the D.C. Defenders.

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