Marcell Ateman, the dynamic wide receiver for the St. Louis Battlehawks, is gearing up for an electrifying second season, with AJ McCarron delivering the passes. As the Battlehawks stand on the brink of their United Football League season opener, Ateman confidently shares that McCarron is in prime form to hit the field.
“AJ and I are perfectly in sync,” Ateman reveals. “He’s been phenomenal in camp. His performance is outstanding, and it’s clear we’re all connecting well on the field.”
Last season marked a turning point for McCarron, who, with the Battlehawks, topped the XFL charts in touchdown passes, completion rates, and passing efficiency. This resurgence catapulted the former Alabama All-American back into the NFL spotlight. However, after a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023, McCarron made an early exit to rejoin the Battlehawks for their training camp.
Now, as part of the United Football League, St. Louis is set to face the Michigan Panthers at 3 p.m. CDT on March 30 at Ford Field in Detroit, with FOX broadcasting the event.
Throughout his NFL journey, McCarron has collaborated with six head coaches and eight offensive coordinators, amassing a wealth of experience. “AJ’s understanding of football is unparalleled,” Ateman praises. “His ability to read the defense and adjust our plays accordingly elevates our game. His vast experience gives him the insight to position us for the perfect play every time.”
“And this camp, he’s just been letting it fly—his passes are precise, his timing impeccable. AJ’s leadership and communication have really brought us together. We have high hopes for him, and he’s exceeded them all through camp. Having a veteran like him only strengthens our offense and our individual skills,” Ateman adds.
The Battlehawks’ wide receiver lineup is formidable, including All-XFL selections Hakeem Butler and Darrius Shepherd from the previous season.
“Having a year of experience in this offense has been incredibly beneficial,” Ateman comments. “We’re building on that foundation, enhancing our timing and coordination.”
“This training camp kicked off with great momentum,” he continues.
With the merger of the XFL and the USFL into a single spring-football league, the United Football League was born, combining four franchises from each league. The St. Louis Battlehawks join teams like the Arlington Renegades, D.C. Defenders, and San Antonio Brahmas from the XFL, and the Michigan Panthers, Birmingham Stallions, Houston Roughnecks, and Memphis Showboats from the USFL.
“Our goal is clear: to win it all,” Ateman states emphatically. “With such a seasoned group of players, who bring a wealth of experience and a high football IQ, our team is poised for success. We’re not just a team of newcomers; we’re seasoned professionals with a shared vision of clinching the championship.”
Mark Inabinett, a sports reporter for the Alabama Media Group, continues to provide in-depth coverage of the league. Follow his updates on Twitter at @AMarkG1.