You probably remember AJ McCarron as that good-looking quarterback from Alabama who got famous for a viral video.
Or maybe you just know him as Katherine Webb’s husband.
Honestly, most people forget about his actual football skills.
So, what happened? Why did his NFL career stall out so fast? Well, let’s take a closer look at AJ McCarron’s journey from national champion to the backup QB circuit, and where he is today.
It’s actually a pretty interesting story.
The Starting Line: Alabama and the National Titles
AJ McCarron didn’t just stumble into fame.
He was a three-star recruit from Sicily Island, Louisiana, but he grew up in Alabama. But there’s a catch.
He played his college ball at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban.
During his time there, he won two BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012.
He threw for over 11,000 yards and 77 touchdowns.
By the time he left, he was a Heisman Trophy candidate. Here’s the interesting part.
It looked like he was destined for greatness.
But here is the thing about college football fame: it doesn’t always translate to the NFL.
AJ was drafted in the fifth round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014.
And let’s be real, expectations were lower than they are for a first-round pick.
The Bengals Era: The Good, The Bad, and The Boring
McCarron spent the first few years of his career as Andy Dalton’s backup.
He didn’t get many starts.
When he did, he showed flashes of promise.
He even led the Bengals to a playoff win over the Houston Texans in 2015.
But the Bengals moved on from Dalton.
In 2017, AJ became the starter.
It was a weird situation.
The team had weapons, like A.J.
Green and Tyler Boyd, but the offensive line was struggling.
And the defense? It was historically bad.
From what I’ve seen watching games back then, he never really had a rhythm.
He took a lot of sacks.
He threw some interceptions.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t play; it was that the system around him was struggling to stay upright.
He eventually lost the starting job to rookie Joe Burrow.
The Journeyman Phase
After the Bengals, AJ didn’t stop playing.
He signed with the Oakland Raiders and then the Houston Texans. Now think about that for a second.
He even joined the Buffalo Bills practice squad for a bit.
He basically became a journeyman.
He never really got a full opportunity to be a franchise quarterback.
Most people thought his NFL career was over when he was cut by the Bills in 2020.
He was 30 years old.
That is the age where NFL teams usually cut ties if you haven’t proven you are a starter.
AJ McCarron Wife: Katherine Webb and Viral Fame
Even when he was a backup quarterback in the NFL, AJ McCarron was famous for something else.
His marriage to Katherine Webb.
If you’ve been on the internet for a long time, you know the story.
Katherine was the stunning girlfriend of A.J.
McCarron who became famous when a camera accidentally panned to her during a BCS Championship game in 2013. But there’s a catch.
The internet went crazy.
They got married in 2014.
They have two kids together now.
AJ has handled the fame well.
He’s very protective of his family. And this is where things get interesting.
He’s not out partying every night; he’s usually focused on his kids and his businesses.
Life After the NFL: Broadcasting and Business
AJ McCarron officially retired from football in 2021.
He’s not sitting around doing nothing, though.
He started doing color commentary and analysis for the UA vs. And this is where things get interesting.
OSU game. And this is where things get interesting.
He works for the SEC Network and the Radio Network.
He seems to really enjoy breaking down the game.
It’s a good fit for him because he understands the mental side of football, not just the physical side.
On top of that, he’s got a few business ventures.
He’s invested in real estate and other startups.
He’s building a brand outside of football.
What is AJ McCarron Net Worth?
Let’s talk numbers.
He played in the NFL for six years. And this is where things get interesting.
He also played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for a bit with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which paid him decent money.
His career earnings are probably in the range of $10 million to $15 million.
But remember, NFL salaries are taxed heavily, and there are no guarantees after you retire.
With his wife being a successful model and influencer, and his own business deals, he’s doing pretty well for himself.
Is He Done with Football?
There have been rumors about him trying to come out of retirement.
He’s been working out, and he’s young enough to play if a desperate team needs a practice squad guy.
But honestly, he’s moved on.
He loves being a dad and working in media.
Unless he’s coaching high school football, I think he’s done.
Final Thoughts
AJ McCarron is one of those guys who just couldn’t catch a break.
He had a great college career, but the NFL is a different beast.
He had the skills to be a starter, but he never had the right team situation.
But hey, he’s got the beautiful wife, the kids, and a job that lets him stay close to the game he loves. And this is where things get interesting.
That’s not a bad way to end a career.
He proved he could play at the highest level, even if it was for a short time.
If you are looking to bet on college football, it’s worth keeping an eye on his analysis because he understands the matchups better than the casual fan.
Image source: pexels.com
Image source credit: pexels.com