AJ McCarron Character Questions?

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron

AJ McCarron sent up a few red flags during his pre-draft interviews with NFL teams. Numerous reports according to ESPN and Sports Illustrated have said teams found McCarron to be too cocky. That begs the question does AJ McCarron have character questions?

The answer is yes. Now that does not mean it is a bad thing. McCarron is a winner, confidence has been instilled in the Alabama graduate. Winning three National Championships in four years is a record that will bring confidence to a kid. With confidence comes the question of is it cockiness?

On Saturday before he was selected a couple of television personalities called McCarron’s question into character. Saying coaches from teams said they left meetings with McCarron wondering if his ego could fit within stadiums. McCarron has remained adamant that he is not a selfish cocky quarterback.

McCarron expected perfection while leading the Crimson Tide, that is exactly what you want in a leader. Someone who will call slacking players out, someone who will put guys in line, and someone who commands attention. McCarron does all of that, he knows how to win and he expects everyone to give as much as him. If that is cockiness than so be it, on the field though McCarron is a leader.

His slip to the 5th round may have been the NFL sending a statement to the young quarterback. What you did in college was great, that doesn’t matter at the next level. McCarron realizes that and has seemed grounded in interviews with Cincinnati media.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban came to McCarron’s defense stating he had never experienced a cocky McCarron. “It does surprise me because he was never that way to me and I think that if you asked a lot of his teammates, they would probably say the same” Saban told AL.com. If Saban stands by his quarterback it is the end of the story. He even brushed aside McCarron’s comments about playing hurt and sacrificing to play for the Tide.  McCarron took to twitter to explain everything.

Some people may view these tweets as needy, cocky and unbecoming of a leader. On the contrary confronting allegations, explaining yourself and allowing people to know how you feel is the best way to set the record straight. Also McCarron fighting for his reputation shows he cares about it.

As for Bengals fans, support this kid. He may very well be the future for the Bengals.