AJ McCarron’s football future: ‘I don’t ever want to say never’

AJ McCarron has always been a figure surrounded by intrigue, and for a player whose career has seen its ups and downs, the uncertainty about his future is not an unfamiliar territory. As a quarterback, McCarron’s journey has spanned multiple teams, from his promising college career to his time in the NFL and more recently, in the XFL. Despite facing challenges that have forced him to fight for playing time, McCarron remains steadfast in his commitment to the game.

Throughout his career, McCarron has been considered a quarterback with untapped potential. He rose to prominence during his time at the University of Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to multiple national championships under coach Nick Saban. His poise under pressure, accuracy, and leadership were key factors in Alabama’s success during his tenure. However, despite his success in college, McCarron’s transition to the NFL has been a far more complicated story.

Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, McCarron was initially seen as a developmental quarterback. He spent the first few years of his NFL career as a backup to Andy Dalton, a situation that was frustrating for a player who had dominated at the college level. McCarron did get opportunities to start when Dalton went down with injuries, but these moments were not enough to solidify a permanent starting role. Over the years, he bounced around between several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons. Yet, he never managed to find the kind of sustained success or starting role that many had expected after his college career.

One of the main criticisms of McCarron’s time in the NFL has been his inability to seize a starting job despite his opportunities. Some experts pointed to his lack of elite physical tools, such as a cannon arm or blazing speed, which often left him at a disadvantage compared to other quarterbacks in a league filled with standout talent. Additionally, his time in Cincinnati was marred by a lack of consistency in terms of performance and the inability to connect with the team’s full potential.

Yet, McCarron’s resilience has been a key part of his narrative. He never gave up on his dream to be a starting quarterback, constantly seeking out new opportunities and adjusting his mindset to find success. The determination that propelled him through his college career was still evident when he made the decision to pursue football outside of the NFL in the XFL.

In 2020, McCarron joined the St. Louis BattleHawks in the XFL, a league that promised to give players another chance to showcase their talents and potentially earn a spot back in the NFL. Unfortunately, the XFL’s season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and McCarron found himself once again in limbo. Nevertheless, the XFL presented a unique opportunity for McCarron to gain more experience, rebuild his confidence, and potentially turn his career around.

As the years have passed, McCarron has remained in the football spotlight, albeit more in the background of major leagues. He has made several appearances on different teams and has participated in minicamps and training camps, keeping his skills sharp and his body ready for whatever comes next. He’s also been involved in some off-the-field ventures, including media appearances and charitable work, which have kept his name in the public consciousness.

Now, as McCarron approaches what many would consider the twilight of his career, he’s confronted with an important question: What comes next? Although he’s in his early 30s, the life of a football player, especially at the quarterback position, can be short and unpredictable. McCarron’s continued commitment to the game has led him to say that he’s not ready to walk away just yet.

In recent interviews, McCarron has expressed a willingness to continue playing, but with the understanding that his future in football may not necessarily lie in the NFL. He’s been candid in acknowledging that his career trajectory has not followed the conventional path, and he’s not sure what the future holds. However, his passion for the game is as strong as ever, and he’s never been one to close the door on any opportunity.

“I don’t ever want to say never,” McCarron stated in a recent interview when asked about the possibility of a return to the NFL or other professional leagues. This sentiment reflects his mindset—one that is always open to new opportunities and never fully closed off from what may lie ahead.

There’s also the reality that McCarron has not been as high-profile as many of his contemporaries, and as a result, opportunities for him to return to the NFL might be limited. However, it’s clear that McCarron’s future could still hold a few surprises, particularly if he continues to develop his skills, stay in shape, and put together a solid performance during training camps or in other leagues. His previous experience as a backup quarterback in the NFL gives him a valuable level of experience, and he could be an asset to a team looking for a reliable second-string option.

But beyond the NFL, there are many leagues where McCarron could still thrive. Whether it’s a return to the XFL, the Canadian Football League (CFL), or another professional league, McCarron has the chance to carve out a meaningful career. In a football world that is becoming increasingly flexible with opportunities for players outside of the NFL, McCarron’s future may not be tied exclusively to one league or one specific role.

His experience in these alternative leagues has also led him to consider different roles within the football ecosystem. McCarron has always been a leader on and off the field, and his football IQ is undeniable. He has been around enough systems and has seen enough different offenses to bring a wealth of knowledge to any team that may bring him in, whether as a player or even as a coach down the road.

While McCarron may not be a household name for casual fans, those who have followed his journey closely know that his persistence, work ethic, and leadership make him a valuable commodity. Should he continue playing, teams in need of a veteran presence in the locker room or a dependable backup quarterback could find McCarron to be an asset. He may not be the franchise quarterback that many expected him to be early in his career, but there’s no denying the fact that his leadership and experience would be an asset in a supporting role.

Yet, McCarron has also spoken about his desire to be more than just a backup or a stopgap quarterback. He’s made it clear that his goal is to get back into a starting role, though he is realistic about the challenges involved. The fact that he’s kept a positive attitude about his career, even when things haven’t gone according to plan, speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the game.

However, even if McCarron doesn’t return to the NFL or another league as a player, there are still opportunities for him to stay connected to the football world. He could pursue a career in broadcasting, as many former players do, using his knowledge of the game to analyze plays and provide commentary for networks. With his experience in high-pressure situations and his understanding of the mental and emotional aspects of the game, McCarron could transition smoothly into a role as an analyst, providing insights that viewers appreciate.

Another potential avenue for McCarron is coaching. While McCarron may not have the lengthy coaching resume of someone like Nick Saban, his experience as a quarterback and his leadership abilities could make him a natural fit for a coaching position. Whether it’s working with quarterbacks or in another capacity, McCarron could transition to a role that keeps him engaged with the game while allowing him to impart the wisdom he’s gained from his unique journey.

For now, McCarron’s focus remains on football. He continues to work hard, stay in shape, and maintain the mindset of a player who is determined to earn one last shot at the highest level of the game. His future remains uncertain, but that’s a reality that McCarron has become accustomed to.

“I’ve always tried to be the best I can be,” he said. “And wherever that takes me, I’m just thankful for the journey.”

While McCarron’s NFL future may be in doubt, his dedication to the sport is clear. Whether that leads to another shot in the NFL, a fruitful stint in a different league, or a future beyond playing, AJ McCarron will continue to leave his mark on the world of football, even if that mark isn’t as prominent as some of his contemporaries.

In a sport where the window for success can be narrow, McCarron’s willingness to keep grinding, no matter what role he plays, is a testament to his resilience. The uncertainty of his football future may leave many wondering what’s next, but for AJ McCarron, it’s all part of a journey that he refuses to let go of. In his own words: “I don’t ever want to say never.”