Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback A. J. McCarron has hit the ground running in his first season in the XFL, leading the St. Louis Battlehawks to two thrilling comeback victories for a 2-0 start.
McCarron received praise from XFL owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on Friday for his decision to leave the NFL in order to “create memories” with his two young sons.
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. I’d say he’s creating some memories for his boys. AJ’s decision means a helluva lot to me, personally. #XFLhttps://t.co/AZG6EiIy9Z
“Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play,” Johnson said of McCarron in a tweet on Friday morning. “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.”
Johnson was referring to comments made by McCarron last week about his decision to pursue a career in the XFL rather than the NFL, where he served as a backup quarterback for teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Las Vegas Raiders.
“My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. That’s a big reason I chose to return this way,” McCarron said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. ““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.”
The Battlehawks defeated the Seattle Sea Dragons on Thursday night, 20-18, after McCarron led his team to a fourth quarter comeback. Placekicker Donny Hageman kicked a 44-yard field goal to secure the win. McCarron completed 22 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown in that game. He also rushed for 41 yards and another score on the ground.
