From football fields to the political arena, the former Crimson Tide QB is launching his campaign for Alabama Lieutenant Governor in 2026.
Former Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron is stepping into a new kind of arena: politics.
The Mobile native announced Thursday that he will run as a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama in the 2026 election.
“Alabama’s conservative and cultural values are under attack from every direction,” McCarron said in his announcement. “That’s why Charlie Kirk’s assassination affected so many of us so deeply. His example convinced me to get off the sidelines, get into the game, and stand tall for our conservative beliefs. So today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.”
McCarron said his decision stems from a desire to challenge what he called the “Montgomery insiders and career politicians.”
“The Montgomery insiders and career politicians have had their chance. It’s time for political newcomers and outsider candidates like me to lead the battle." McCarron went on to say: "When Coach Tuberville is governor, I’ll be the quarterback who helps pass his conservative outsider agenda.”
McCarron’s jump into politics comes after a decorated football career that made him one of the most successful quarterbacks in Alabama history. As the Tide’s starter, he led Alabama to back-to-back national championships in 2011 and 2012, placing his name among Crimson Tide greats.
During his time in Tuscaloosa, McCarron threw for 9,019 yards, 77 touchdowns, and just 15 interceptions. Known for his poise, leadership, and championship mentality, he became a fan favorite and a symbol of Alabama’s dominance during the early 2010s.
After college, McCarron was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 164th overall pick. He went on to play in the NFL for several teams before retiring in 2023.
Now, McCarron is hoping to bring the same leadership and drive that defined his football career to state politics. Whether voters see him as Alabama’s next political quarterback remains to be seen.
But one thing’s certain: AJ McCarron is back in the game, and this time, the field looks a little different.