Battlehawks quarterback A.J. McCarron leaves the field following his team’s 25-15 loss to San Antonio in a UFL semifinal playoff on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the Dome at America’s Center.
Two young boys wearing McCarron jerseys sat in the front row for their father’s news conference Sunday night after the Battlehawks had their season come crashing to an end.
They watched as A.J. McCarron talked about the team falling short of reaching the United Football League Championship game. They were there as he talked about the likelihood of needing surgery on his ankle and his struggles with the injury the past month.
Their quarterback dad spoke quietly and haltingly about the future, but when he glanced in his sons’ direction, he broke.
McCarron talked all season about his sons being a big reason he returned to the Battlehawks. Now, he would be free to take in their baseball games and hang out with the family, albeit a week sooner than hoped.
McCarron’s voice quivered, and he took a sip of water before a long pause.
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“It’s tough. Having my boys in here, it’s more about them,” he said. “I try to show them you have to be able to push through (problems), especially at a young age. As a kid, you slide into second and skin your knee and the first thing is, ‘Oh, my knee.’ So I try to show them you’ve got to push through it.”
McCarron did just that, possibly to his detriment. He missed two games because of an injured left ankle and returned to play the team’s final two games, including Sunday’s 25-15 loss to San Antonio with a spot in the league title contest on the line. Instead, it will be Birmingham against San Antonio next Sunday in St. Louis on the Battlehawks’ home field.
The 33-year-old limped oh so slowly from the field at halftime after being taken down on the final play. He seemed to be done for the game but returned to play the final two quarters.
“He’s our quarterback, and he’s sacrificed a lot to come back and fight through injury,” Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht said. “He got us to this point. Look at the landscape in this league, and they want to push through to the finish. As long as he wasn’t going to hurt himself more and there was clarity in his voice, I was going to let him do it.”
His chances of playing again might have been part of the emotions Sunday night as well.
Battlehawks quarterback A.J. McCarron is helped up by tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith in the fourth quarter of their club's 25-15 loss to San Antonio in a UFL semifinal playoff game on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the Dome at America’s Center.
“I have to get my ankle fixed,” he said. “I don’t know if that requires surgery, but it probably will. ... What’s the fastest way to get back to moving the way I was? Before the Birmingham game (in which he was injured), I was able to extend plays and felt strong. It felt great being able to move. After that, shooting it up and going and playing, I didn’t feel the same.”
McCarron was not his usual efficient self, especially in the first half when the Battlehawks could not move the ball. He ended up 19 for 29 passing for 179 yards and a touchdown, but most of the yardage came in the fourth quarter. He was sacked four times.
He told coaches at halftime he would let them know if he could go in the second half. After consulting with medical personnel, he opted to give it a try.
After being injured against Birmingham, McCarron said he saw multiple doctors. One advised him to have surgery “quick,” recommending a tightrope procedure, a technique used to stabilize an ankle.
Instead, he played with the injury, trying to win a championship after the Battlehawks failed to make the playoffs in his first season with the team. He believes he still can play at a high level in the UFL and has a goal remaining in the NFL. He was with the Cincinnati Bengals late last season.
“I care a lot about this league, being able to show the guys how to do it right and be a pro,” he said. “I want to be part of this league. I played nine years in the (NFL), and my goal was always to play 10. ... Me being out there for my boys so they have the experience of watching me play and then helping the (UFL) grow, I think I can do that whether playing or coaching.”
McCarron’s emotional investment in the UFL is something on which league officials are likely to capitalize. He spent time last offseason working with the union and acting as a liaison with players.
He has ideas for the league’s future but still has his eye on playing. But late Sunday night, as he glanced one more time at his children and his voice cracked, McCarron was ready for something more important.
“I try to do everything I can to bring a good light to this league,” he said. “But for now, I’m going to get to watch these two play all-star baseball and have some fun with them.”
