Quarterback AJ McCarron returned to football in the XFL last season so his sons could witness him in action. Over the past two weeks, despite an injured ankle, he continued to play to impart a lesson to his children. However, McCarron’s season concluded on Sunday night after the St. Louis Battlehawks lost to the San Antonio Brahmas 25-15 in the semifinals of the United Football League playoffs.
During the emotional postgame press conference, McCarron’s voice cracked as he talked about his two sons who were present at the game. McCarron had sustained the ankle injury on May 11 against the Birmingham Stallions, missing two games before returning for the regular-season finale on June 1, which secured a spot in the XFL Conference Championship Game for St. Louis.
In Sunday night’s semifinal, McCarron aggravated his ankle injury in a play reminiscent of his previous injury against Birmingham. Despite the setback, he continued to play, driven by his desire to teach his children about perseverance and to support the growth of the league and its players.
Reflecting on his commitment to the league, McCarron expressed his passion for its potential and his role in nurturing it. He acknowledged that his decision to play through the injury might impact his future, potentially requiring surgery to address the ankle issue. Despite the challenges, McCarron remains dedicated to his football career and to being a positive influence both on and off the field.
