Meet XFL quarterback who rejected lucrative NFL backup contract to 'create memories' as starter in T
AJ MCCARRON is looking to lead St. Louis to XFL glory - and "create memories" for his boys.
The BattleHawks quarterback, 32, turned down more lucrative offers to sign up in Dwayne Johnson's revamped football league.
McCarron has led St. Louis to an early 2-0 record in this season's XFL.
A former NFL backup, McCarron - real name Raymond - was taken in the fifth round of the 2014 Draft.
The ex-Alabama star broke a number of school records and was second place in Heisman Trophy voting before declaring for the NFL.
He was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals, who signed him to a four-year, $2.4million contract with a $181,652 signing bonus.
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McCarron failed to snatch the leading role with the Bengals, starting just three games over the next four seasons.
The Mobile native would spend time with the Bills, Raiders, Texans, and Falcons over the next few years as he failed to find a permanent home.
He tore his ACL ahead of the 2021 season and missed the entire campaign, failing to find a team for 2022.
Through his time in the NFL, McCarron earned $15,614,468, per Spotrac.
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Last November he was drafted by the BattleHawks as the XFL made its big comeback under WWE legend The Rock's ownership.
And McCarron has revealed that he has prioritized playing time over his paycheck to appear in the league.
McCarron said: "My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube.
"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."
McCarron made the perfect start to his XFL career earlier this month.
He carried St. Louis to a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Brahmas on their home turf.
And after the game, a clearly emotional McCarron broke down on the field.
His dedication to his craft caught the attention of Johnson, who praised the ex-NFL star for his XFL decision.
Johnson wrote: "Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play.
"Now he’s 2-0 and led his team to back-to-back exciting last minute wins.
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"I’d say he’s creating some memories for his boys.
"AJ’s decision means a helluva lot to me, personally."
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