In a move that shocked just about everyone in the spring football scene, the St. Louis Battlehawks have released starting QB A.J. McCarron.
a true embodiment of the spirit of st. louis and the battlehawks organization.
thank you, AJ 💙 pic.twitter.com/pegcK1rGF8
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@XFLBattlehawks) November 15, 2024
Right off the bat, the message is clear: the Battlehawks are simply looking to go in a new direction at the quarterback position moving forward. Anthony Becht addressed the media today, clarifying the reasoning behind the release. A.J. has been a huge part of this team’s success, and they are forever grateful for his contributions to the organization.
However, for St. Louis, it’s time for them to look to new horizons at quarterback. A.J. has been the team’s starter for two seasons, leading them to back-to-back 7-3 campaigns. In the XFL, McCarron had a tremendous year, throwing for 2,150 yards and 24 touchdowns, to just six interceptions.
Oh my gosh, what an absolute DIME from AJ McCarron to Steven Mitchell. This one was a beauty.
Just like that, the @XFLBattlehawks only trail 28-20. It’s coming down to the wire in The Dome! #XFL | @XFL2023pic.twitter.com/UPdlTYnqBy
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 19, 2023
This led to an NFL stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, where A.J. was a backup, being activated to the roster for a couple of games.
DEVELOPING: QB AJ McCarron is planning to sign back to the St. Louis Battlehawks, source says.
A.J. was officially released by the Bengals today, and I’m told his return to the @XFLBattlehawks could be as soon as this week. Huge for the city. QB1 back in action. #UFL pic.twitter.com/lvzbLzeWeK
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 14, 2024
He then decided to return to St. Louis to run it back – looking to bring a UFL Championship to the city. St. Louis ended up winning the XFL division, but fell short of the ultimate goal in the postseason. McCarron was…