If you are a fan of American football, you might have heard of AJ McCarron, a quarterback who plays for the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL. He previously played in the NFL for eight seasons with different teams, such as the Cincinnati Bengals, the Oakland Raiders, and the Atlanta Falcons. But do you know where he went to college and how his education shaped his career? In this article, we will explore the college journey of AJ McCarron and learn some interesting facts about his life and achievements.
AJ McCarronâs Educational Journey
AJ McCarron attended the University of Alabama, one of the most prestigious and successful colleges for football in the country. He majored in business administration and graduated with a bachelorâs degree in 2013. He was also a star player for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, where he became the first quarterback to win consecutive BCS National Championship Games in 2011 and 2012. He also received several awards and honors for his outstanding performance, such as the Maxwell Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Kellen Moore Award.
During his college years, AJ McCarron learned from some of the best coaches and mentors in the sport, such as Nick Saban, Doug Nussmeier, and Jim McElwain. He also participated in various extracurricular activities, such as volunteering for tornado relief efforts, visiting childrenâs hospitals, and speaking at schools. He was known for his leadership, work ethic, and humility on and off the field.
Data Table
Here is a summary of AJ McCarronâs college education and achievements:
| Name | College Attended | Degree(s) Earned | Field of Study/Major | Graduation Year | Notable Achievements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raymond Anthony âA. J.â McCarron Jr. | University of Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | Business Administration | 2013 | – First quarterback to win consecutive BCS National Championship Games (2011 and 2012) – Maxwell Award (2013) – Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2013) – Kellen Moore Award (2013) – SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2013) – Consensus All-American (2013) – Second all-time leader in passing yards (9,019) and touchdowns (77) in Alabama history – Third all-time leader in passing efficiency (162.5) in NCAA history |
AJ McCarronâs Early Life and Background
AJ McCarron was born on September 13, 1990, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in a football-loving family, as his father Tony McCarron played for Ole Miss and his younger brother Corey McCarron played for Alabama and Middle Tennessee State. He also had a near-fatal jet-ski accident when he was five years old, which left him with scars on his chest and back.
AJ McCarron showed an early interest and talent in football, playing at Trimmier Park and Langan Park in Mobile. He attended St. Paulâs Episcopal School, where he led his team to a state championship in his junior year. He was also a highly recruited prospect by several colleges, but he chose to commit to Alabama in 2008.
AJ McCarronâs Post-College Journey
After graduating from Alabama in 2013, AJ McCarron entered the 2014 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round. He spent four seasons as a backup quarterback for the Bengals, playing mostly in preseason games or when the starter was injured. He had his first career start in 2015 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the Bengals to their first playoff appearance since 1990.
In 2018, AJ McCarron signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent but was traded to the Buffalo Bills before the season started. He played only two games for the Bills before being released. He then joined the Houston Texans as a backup for Deshaun Watson. In 2020, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons but suffered a season-ending knee injury during a preseason game.
In 2021, AJ McCarron joined the XFL as a quarterback for the St. Louis BattleHawks. He is expected to compete for the starting job with Jordan Taâamu and Taylor Heinicke.
AJ McCarronâs Impact and Significance
AJ McCarron is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in college football history. He holds several records and accolades for his performance at Alabama, where he led his team to two national championships and three SEC titles. He is also praised for his character, leadership, and community service.
AJ McCarronâs college education has influenced his career and achievements in many ways. He learned from some of the best coaches and mentors in football, who taught him the fundamentals, strategies, and mental aspects of the game. He also gained valuable experience and exposure from playing in high-pressure situations and big games. He made connections and friendships with teammates and alumni, who supported him throughout his journey. He also developed skills and qualities that helped him succeed in the NFL and beyond, such as work ethic, humility, and resilience.
Interesting Anecdotes or Trivia
Here are some interesting anecdotes or trivia about AJ McCarronâs college years:
- He has a tattoo of a cross with the words âBama Boyâ on his chest, which he got after winning his first national championship.
- He is married to Katherine Webb, a former Miss Alabama USA and model, whom he met through Twitter. Their relationship became famous when ESPN commentator Brent Musburger praised her beauty during the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.
- He is good friends with former Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who was his roommate in college. They often prank each other on social media and exchange gifts.
- He once gave his game-worn jersey to a young fan who was battling leukemia, after meeting him at a hospital visit.
- He is an avid golfer and has played with celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley.
Relevance to Todayâs Students
AJ McCarronâs college journey can inspire and motivate todayâs students who are interested in pursuing a career in football or any other field. His story shows that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible. He also demonstrates that education is not only about academics but also about personal growth, character development, and social responsibility. He also proves that success is not measured by fame or money but by happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned where AJ McCarron went to college and how his education shaped his career. We have seen that he attended the University of Alabama, where he majored in business administration and played for the Crimson Tide football team. He won two national championships and several awards for his performance. He also learned from some of the best coaches and mentors in football and participated in various extracurricular activities. He then entered the NFL draft and played for different teams over eight seasons. He is currently playing for the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL.
We have also learned some interesting facts about his life and achievements, such as his near-fatal jet-ski accident, his marriage to Katherine Webb, his friendship with Mark Ingram, and his golfing hobby. We have also discussed how his college education influenced his career and achievements and how it can inspire todayâs students.