Alabama voters thought they were watching a political star rise.
A former Crimson Tide and NFL quarterback was cruising to victory.
But this form Alabama and NFL star's political dreams just got crushed by a job offer he couldn't refuse.
Alabama Crimson Tide Legend Exits Race After Leading in Polls
Former NFL quarterback AJ McCarron, who led the University of Alabama to back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013, announced he's ending his campaign for lieutenant governor of Alabama.¹
McCarron was running on the Republican ticket with a double-digit lead in the polls and strong fundraising lined up.
But football came calling again.
"With a double-digit lead in the polls and solid fundraising commitments lined up, I was eager to bring a fresh voice and new leadership to the Alabama State House, but football is calling my name once again," McCarron stated. "My football position will require the same 100% focus, commitment and attention that I was prepared to give to the office of lieutenant governor, so it is time to end my campaign."
The timing couldn't be more dramatic.
McCarron was positioning himself to run alongside U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who's leaving his Senate seat to run for governor in 2026.²
Two legendary football figures leading Alabama together would have been a political dream ticket that Democrats couldn't match.
Now that dream is dead.
The Birmingham Stallions Job Opens Up at Perfect Time
McCarron played nine seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 draft.¹
He became Alabama's all-time leading passer and won three national championships during his college career, including two as the starting quarterback.¹
His legendary status in Alabama made him a formidable political candidate.
But the Birmingham Stallions just announced that Skip Holtz, their head coach who led them to three consecutive spring football championships from 2022-2024, was stepping away from the team.³
Reports indicate McCarron is the top candidate to replace Holtz and take over the Stallions.
"They are building a new Alabama State House because the old one busted at the seams with all of the Montgomery insiders and career politicians packed inside, and while my job offer won't allow me to run, it is time for political newcomers and conservative outsider candidates like Coach Tuberville to step forward and lead," McCarron said.
He's not ruling out a future return to politics.
McCarron Leaves Door Open For Political Comeback
The former quarterback made it clear this might not be his last shot at public office.
"I have a deep desire to help create an even better Alabama for Tripp, Cash and Cruz, our three sons that Katherine and I love so much, so I may return to the political playing field once my career on the football field has truly run its course," McCarron stated.
McCarron's exit reshapes the Republican lieutenant governor race.
Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, former governor candidate Dean Odle, and Nicole Wadsworth remain in the race.
But none of them bring the star power McCarron commanded.
His departure clears the field for establishment politicians McCarron criticized as the exact problem with Montgomery.
The football coach turned politician was selling himself as an outsider who could shake up the system.
Now he'll be shaking up defensive coordinators on Sunday afternoons instead of bureaucrats in the state capitol.
McCarron thanked supporters for their encouragement during his brief campaign.
"In the meantime, I will always be grateful to the countless Alabamians across the state who offered their encouragement, support, and prayers to the AJ for LG campaign," he said.
The lieutenant governor's office will have to wait.
Right now, McCarron has a championship dynasty to rebuild in Birmingham.
¹ "A. J. McCarron," Wikipedia, accessed December 17, 2025.
² "Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces 2026 run for governor of Alabama," Ballotpedia News, May 28, 2025.
³ "Skip Holtz To Step Away From United Football League After Historic Championship Run," UFL News Hub, December 16, 2025.
