MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Former University of Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron announced Wednesday that he is ending his campaign for Alabama lieutenant governor to pursue sports-related opportunities.
McCarron gave no details about the new position but said “football is calling my name again.” The news comes two months after McCarron announced he was running for office.
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“My football position will require the same 100 percent focus, commitment and attention that I am prepared to give to the lieutenant governor’s office, so it is time to end my campaign,” McCarron said.
McCarron, who led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back championships and played for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, announced his candidacy in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor in October.
McCarron prefers to admit that he is a first-time candidate. “Now is the time for political newcomers and conservative outsider candidates to get involved,” McCarron said in a statement ending his campaign.
Records from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office show McCarron first registered to vote in Alabama in October and announced his candidacy days later.
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McCarron has not ruled out running for office in the future. “Once my career on the football field is truly over, I will probably return to politics,” he said.
McCarron was the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback and led the team to national championships in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and went on to play for the Bengals and other NFL teams.
He is the latest figure seeking to turn sporting fame into political victory. Former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020 and is currently running for Alabama governor. Former Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl thought about running for Senate but ultimately decided against it.
The Alabama primary election will be held on May 19.