AJ McCarron NFL Career Overview
AJ McCarron is a former NFL quarterback who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, selected 102nd overall. He played college football at the University of Alabama, where he led the team to BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012. His NFL career spanned parts of six seasons across multiple teams, including the Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills, with brief stints on practice squads and active rosters. He last appeared on an NFL roster in 2020 before transitioning away from professional football. For a detailed breakdown of his draft and career trajectory, refer to the official NFL Draft page at https://www.nfl.com/draft.
McCarron's NFL statistics reflect a career as a backup quarterback, with limited starting opportunities. He appeared in 14 regular-season games over his career, completing 10 of 18 passes for 108 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. He also rushed for 38 yards on 6 carries. His primary value came as a veteran backup and emergency quarterback, particularly during his time with the Bengals and later with the Texans and Bills. He did not record a win as a starter in the NFL. His career is often cited as an example of a high-profile college quarterback who transitioned to a backup role in the league.
Teams and Transactions
McCarron was with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2014 to 2017, spending time on the active roster and practice squad. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2018, released, and later signed to the practice squad. In 2019, he signed with the Houston Texans but was released before the season started. He returned to the NFL in 2020, signing with the Buffalo Bills and appearing on their practice squad before being released. His movements between teams highlight the competitive nature of backup quarterback roles in the NFL. Transaction details are tracked by team front offices and reported by league sources.
The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills were the final NFL teams McCarron was associated with. The Texans signed him in August 2019 but released him during final roster cuts. The Bills signed him to their practice squad in November 2020, and he was released a week later. He did not appear in a regular-season game for either team. His career path is typical of late-round draft picks who serve as developmental backups. NFL roster transactions are publicly reported by teams and the league office.
Post-NFL Career and Current Status
After leaving the NFL, McCarron transitioned to a career in financial services and business development. He has been involved in private sector roles, leveraging his public profile and sports background. He has not returned to professional football in any capacity since 2020. His post-NFL career reflects a common path for athletes who move into business, finance, and media sectors. Public records and professional networking profiles confirm his current work outside of sports.
McCarron's career trajectory is documented in various business and sports profiles. His transition from athlete to professional in the financial sector is a case study in athlete career development. He remains a recognized name in NFL circles due to his college career and draft status. His current professional activities focus on business and investment rather than sports performance. Public information about his career is available through professional and sports media outlets.
Key Facts and Figures
AJ McCarron was drafted in 2014, played in 14 NFL games, and recorded 108 passing yards. He was a two-time BCS National Champion at Alabama. His NFL career earnings were modest compared to first-round picks, reflecting his backup role