AJ McCarron Steps Away from Politics-for Now-as New Football Opportunity Emerges
AJ McCarron is heading back to familiar territory-and it’s not the campaign trail.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, who had launched a bid for lieutenant governor in the 2026 election, announced Wednesday that he’s stepping away from the political race to pursue a new opportunity in football. Details on that next chapter are expected later this week, but for now, McCarron is making it clear: football still has his heart.
At 35, McCarron is no stranger to the spotlight. He led Alabama to back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013 and spent several years in the NFL, carving out a journeyman career as a reliable backup. More recently, he’s stayed close to the game through “The Dynasty,” a podcast focused on all things Crimson Tide, and his social media feed is a steady stream of Alabama football content.
His brief foray into politics began in October, when McCarron-who had never registered to vote before-announced his candidacy, citing inspiration from conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But just a couple of months later, he’s pivoting back to the gridiron, saying the new football opportunity won’t allow him to continue his campaign.
In a statement, McCarron also threw his support behind U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville-yes, the former Auburn head coach-as a potential candidate for governor, calling for “political newcomers and conservative outsider candidates like Coach Tuberville to step forward and lead.” It’s a notable endorsement, especially considering the storied Alabama-Auburn rivalry, but it speaks to McCarron’s outsider approach to politics.
While he’s stepping aside for now, McCarron didn’t close the door on a future run. He spoke about his desire to help build a better Alabama for his three sons-Tripp, Cash, and Cruz-and left open the possibility of returning to the “political playing field” once his football career has officially wrapped.
“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.
With McCarron out, the Republican primary field for lieutenant governor now includes Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, pastor Dean Odle, and commercial realtor Nicole Wadsworth. The primary is set for May 19, 2026. Current lieutenant governor Will Ainsworth is term-limited and won’t be seeking re-election.
As for McCarron, all eyes now turn to what comes next on the football front. Whether it’s a return to the field or a new role in the sport, one thing’s clear-he’s not done with the game just yet.