In a move that signals the end of an era, the St. Louis Battlehawks have released quarterback AJ McCarron, the face of their franchise for the past two seasons. News came Saturday as the team looks toward the 2025 spring season with eyes on their first-round draft pick, San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro.

McCarron’s time with the Battlehawks has been nothing short of phenomenal. A former NFL quarterback, he made headlines by choosing to play in the XFL for less compensation than he could have had as an NFL backup, saying he wanted to create lifelong memories for his kids. The move proved transformative for both McCarron and the league.

McCarron was one of the most prolific passers in league history for the Battlehawks and owns every franchise passing record. From a statistical standpoint, there is much to like about McCarron: 3,732 passing yards with 39 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions demonstrates efficiency and protection of the football.

McCarron’s influence reached well beyond the stats, considering how he was key in both the reboot of the XFL and in the early stages of the United Football League. He gave weight to a spring football movement and made the Battlehawks one of the flagship franchises in the league.

With the first-round selection from San Jose State in Chevan Cordeiro waiting in the wings, it’s toward the future that the team now looks. The Battlehawks now await the commitment for this spring of 2025 from Cordeiro, expecting him to build on the foundation McCarron set.

McCarron’s departure also ends a chapter in the story of St. Louis football, but his seal on spring football league development won’t be forgotten anytime soon. His being OK with playing time and meaningful moments over NFL backup status really helped serve as a validator for the alternative professional football leagues within this country.