A.J. McCarron Net Worth

What is A.J. McCarron's net worth?

A.J. McCarron is an American professional football player who has a net worth of $6 million. A.J. McCarron is best known for leading the University of Alabama to back-to-back national championships and for his subsequent career as an NFL quarterback. After nearly a decade in professional football, McCarron transitioned into broadcasting and business before announcing a bid for lieutenant governor of Alabama in 2025. A lifelong Alabamian with deep ties to the state's football culture, McCarron is leveraging his athletic fame and outsider image to launch a political career. He has emphasized his conservative values and frustration with "career politicians" as central themes of his campaign. Known for his leadership, competitiveness, and faith, McCarron's post-football pivot places him among a growing number of former athletes seeking public office in the South.

Early Life

Raymond Anthony "A.J." McCarron Jr. was born on September 13, 1990, in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and later St. Paul's Episcopal School, where he became one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country. After suffering a near-fatal jet ski accident at age five, McCarron made a full recovery and developed a lifelong sense of resilience that shaped both his athletic and personal life. Highly recruited out of high school, he committed to the University of Alabama, drawn by Nick Saban's growing dynasty and the chance to play for his home-state team.

College Football Career

McCarron played for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2010 to 2013, serving as starting quarterback during one of the most dominant stretches in college football history. Under Saban's leadership, McCarron guided Alabama to consecutive BCS National Championship victories in the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Known for his poise under pressure and precise passing, he finished his college career with 77 touchdowns, more than 9,000 passing yards, and a 36–4 record as a starter. McCarron was named the 2013 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Florida State's Jameis Winston. His leadership and winning record cemented him as one of the most successful quarterbacks in Alabama football history.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

NFL Career

McCarron was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons as a backup quarterback, making his first career start in 2015 after Andy Dalton was injured. McCarron nearly led the Bengals to a playoff victory that year, but a late fumble and penalty cost the team the game. Over the next several seasons, he played for multiple teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Texans, and briefly signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Known for his professionalism and preparation, McCarron built a steady, if understated, NFL career as a reliable backup and mentor to younger players.

Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings

During his time in the NFL, A.J. McCarron earned an estimated $15–18 million in salary and bonuses. His rookie deal with the Cincinnati Bengals was worth $2.4 million over four years, followed by a two-year, $10 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2018. He later signed short-term contracts with the Raiders and Texans that added several million more to his career earnings. While never a long-term starting quarterback, McCarron benefited from the NFL's high-value backup market, which rewards experienced players capable of leading teams in emergency situations. After his playing career, he also signed endorsement deals with sports brands and worked briefly as a football analyst, supplementing his football income through broadcasting and local business ventures in Alabama.

2025 Lieutenant Governor Campaign

In October 2025, McCarron announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Alabama in a YouTube video. Describing himself as a "political outsider," he cited the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as his inspiration to enter public life. McCarron framed his campaign around defending "Alabama's conservative and cultural values," invoking his faith, patriotism, and commitment to the state's traditions. He also referenced his 2016 endorsement of Donald Trump and positioned himself as part of a movement against "Montgomery insiders and career politicians." However, it was also revealed that he had registered to vote for the first time the same week he announced his candidacy, which means he never actually voted for Trump or anyone else previously. Running as a Republican, he joined a crowded field that includes Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, pastor Dean Odle, and businessperson Nicole Jones Wadsworth. The state primaries are scheduled for May 19, 2026.

Personal Life

McCarron married model and former "Miss Alabama USA" Katherine Webb in 2014, and the couple has three sons. Webb gained national attention during Alabama's 2013 national championship broadcast, when ESPN cameras focused on her in the stands. The family has remained based in Alabama, where McCarron is active in youth sports and community outreach programs. His faith has long played a central role in his public persona, and he has often spoken about the importance of Christian values, family, and perseverance both on and off the field.

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