AJ McCarron, former Alabama QB, leads game-winning drive for XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks

AJ McCarron did not have the best first half to start the XFL season with the St. Louis Battlehawks, but ended Game 1 in the best way possible. The former Alabama signal caller led 2 touchdown drives in the final minutes of the game to hand St. Louis the win, 18-15.

McCarron connected with receiver Austin Proehl for the game-winning score after a successful 3-point conversion and the NFL’s equivalent of a onside kick.

OH MY GOSH. AUSTIN PROEHL. XFL LEGEND. THE BATTLEHAWKS HAVE THE LEAD. THIS IS MADNESS.

The @XFL2023 script writers went crazy with this one! AJ McCarron with a wild comeback in his first #XFL game. pic.twitter.com/2fctFuAmvf

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 19, 2023

St. Louis was able to comeback because of a rule difference in the XFL system. A team is allowed to try a 4th and 15 from their own 25-yard line in the same way an onside kick works in the NFL or college football. McCarron and Proehl connected on that pass too, later leading to the above touchdown.

Here’s the play that kept the Battlehawks alive.

THE BATTLEHAWKS CONVERT ON 4TH AND 15 TO KEEP POSSESSION ? pic.twitter.com/uwwTbDlmX7

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 19, 2023

McCarron finished the day with 190 yards passing on 18 completions with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

Not too shabby!

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.