Former St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron signaled a potential end to his football career during a recent TikTok Live session. McCarron, who posted 1,582 passing yards and 15 touchdowns in the 2024 UFL season, stated he is considering stepping away from professional football.
The 33-year-old signal caller completed his UFL tenure with the Battlehawks, recording a 64.3% completion rate and 94.6 quarterback rating. McCarron added 87 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground during the 2024 campaign.
McCarron's 2023 XFL season showcased his talents as he led the Battlehawks with 2,000 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, earning league MVP honors. His 68.8% completion rate and six interceptions highlighted his efficiency in the offense. St. Louis just missed the playoffs to the Seattle Sea Dragons .
The 2024 UFL season presented challenges for McCarron as he sustained an ankle injury in Week 7 against the Birmingham Stallions. He returned to the field for the final stretch of the season, leading the Battlehawks to the playoffs. St. Louis' championship pursuit ended with a 25-15 loss to the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL conference championship game.
McCarron's path through professional football included stints in both the NFL, XFL and UFL. His NFL career spanned from 2014-2021, where he accumulated 1,192 passing yards and six touchdowns across appearances with the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and Oakland Raiders.
The Mobile, Alabama native's collegiate career at the University of Alabama set records, as he guided the Crimson Tide to consecutive BCS National Championships in 2012 and 2013. McCarron finished his Alabama career with 9,019 passing yards and 77 touchdowns.
McCarron's relationship with the Battlehawks ended following communication issues regarding his release. The quarterback stated he learned of his release through his child rather than team management.
The Battlehawks have moved forward, signing quarterbacks Chevan Cordeiro, Max Duggan, and Manny Wilkins for the 2025 season. These three players will compete for the starting position as St. Louis enters a new chapter.
The UFL kicks off its second season on March 28, 2024, following the merger of the XFL and USFL. The eight-team league continues operations across the Midwest and Southern United States.