Did AJ McCarron Play in the NFL? A Deep Dive into His Football Career
Hello, football enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the gridiron career of one of the NFL's notable quarterbacks, AJ McCarron. You might be wondering, "Did AJ McCarron play in the NFL?" The short answer is yes, he did! Let's explore his journey, from college football to the pros, and find out why he's made a name for himself in the league. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and did aj mccarron play in the nfl.
College Football: Where It All Began
Before we answer, "Did AJ McCarron play in the NFL?" let's rewind a bit to his college days. AJ McCarron was a standout quarterback at the University of Alabama, where he played from 2010 to 2013. He was a part of three national championship-winning teams (2011, 2012, and 2013), earning him the title of three-time national champion. His college career was nothing short of impressive, with a total of 9,426 passing yards, 69 touchdowns, and only 15 interceptions.
Draft Day: The Start of His NFL Journey
After his successful college career, the question on everyone's mind was, "Will AJ McCarron play in the NFL?" The answer came in 2014 when the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional career, and fans were eager to see if he could translate his college success to the NFL.
AJ McCarron's NFL Career: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
2014-2015: Early Days with the Bengals
In his rookie year, McCarron didn't see much playing time, with Andy Dalton as the starter. However, he made his NFL debut in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 13 of 27 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. The following season, he appeared in two games, completing 20 of 35 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown.
2015-2016: The Andy Dalton Injury and McCarron's Opportunity
In 2015, McCarron finally got his chance to start when Andy Dalton went down with an injury. He played in eight games, completing 136 of 220 passes for 1,457 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Despite the team's struggles, McCarron showed promise, leading many to wonder, "Is AJ McCarron the future of the Bengals?"
2017: A New Chapter with the Browns
After four seasons with the Bengals, McCarron was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, his time in Cleveland was short-lived. He played in three games, completing 22 of 42 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
2018-Present: From the Raiders to the Texans
In 2018, McCarron signed with the Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders). He appeared in two games, completing 16 of 31 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown. In 2019, he joined the Houston Texans, where he served as a backup quarterback. He appeared in one game, completing 2 of 7 passes for 12 yards.
Did AJ McCarron Play in the NFL? A Look at His Impact
While McCarron's NFL career hasn't been as illustrious as his college days, he's still made a mark on the league. He's played in 26 games, completing 216 of 405 passes for 2,211 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. His career passer rating stands at 77.6. While these numbers might not jump off the page, they're a testament to his ability to step in and contribute when called upon.
What's Next for AJ McCarron?
As of now, McCarron is a free agent, looking for his next opportunity in the NFL. Despite his ups and downs, he's shown the ability to compete at the highest level. As we ask, "Did AJ McCarron play in the NFL?" we can also ask, "What's next for this former national champion?"
Only time will tell where McCarron's football journey takes him next. But one thing's for sure: he's got the skills and determination to make an impact on any team that gives him the chance. So, keep an eye out for this quarterback, because you never know when he might just surprise you.
That's all for now, folks! We hope you've enjoyed our deep dive into AJ McCarron's NFL career. Until next time, keep your eyes on the gridiron!