XFL owner Dwayne Johnson praises ex-NFL quarterback for taking ‘less money’ to ‘create memories’ for kids

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Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback A. J. McCarron has hit the ground running in his first season in the XFL, leading the St. Louis Battlehawks to two thrilling comeback victories for a 2-0 start. 

Aside from his performance on the field, McCarron received praise from XFL owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on Friday because of his decision to leave the NFL to pursue a career where he could "create memories" with his two young boys. 

A. J. McCarron, #10 of the St. Louis Battlehawks, prepares to throw a pass against the San Antonio Brahamas at the Alamodome on Feb. 19, 2023 in San Antonio. (Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

"Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play," Johnson said of McCarron in a tweet earlier Friday morning. 

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"Now he’s 2-0 and led his team to back-to-back exciting last minute wins. I’d say he’s creating some memories for his boys. AJ’s decision means a helluva lot to me, personally."

Johnson was referring to remarks McCarron made last week regarding his decision to pursue a career in the XFL over the NFL, where he served as backup quarterback to teams including the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders. 

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A. J. McCarron, #5 of the Atlanta Falcons, looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 13, 2021 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

"My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. That’s a big reason I chose to return this way,"