20 McCarron campers go on shopping spree: ‘The luckiest moment ever in my life’
The 11th annual AJ McCarron Football Camp is set for Saturday in Mobile.
Olivia Bennett 
For 20 lucky youngsters, the 11th annual AJ McCarron Football Camp kicked off with a surprise assist. Selected at random, the campers hit Academy Sports + Outdoors on Friday for a $200 shopping spree, an experience Nicholas Ward described as "probably the luckiest moment ever in my life."
A Community Effort
Ward, a wide receiver for the Cottage Hill Steelers who enters the sixth grade at Causey Middle School next month, walked away with gear for himself and family members. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, noting, "I thank my mom for signing me up and thank God because we’re happy."
The shopping event was made possible through a six-year partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors. Members of the Mobile Police Department were on-site to help the kids navigate the aisles, an intentional move by McCarron to foster positive relationships between the children and local officers.
Growing the Game
The shopping spree served as the perfect appetizer for the main event: a massive camp registration of approximately 700 participants at Mobile Christian School. This year's turnout highlights the event's reach, drawing attendees from nine states and 116 different communities, including 82 cities across Alabama.
McCarron, who is currently the head coach for the United Football League’s Birmingham Stallions, reflects on how far the camp has come since his early days in the NFL. From his legendary high school career at St. Paul’s Episcopal to his three national championships at Alabama, McCarron says giving back remains a top priority.
Staying Grounded
For McCarron, the camp serves as a vital reality check. "When you think you’re having a bad day, there’s a lot less fortunate out there that are going through tougher times," he said. "It’s a great thing that happens that keeps everything in perspective."
As he looks back on 11 years of running free camps, McCarron credits the dedicated support of fans and a new wave of sponsors for the camp's longevity. "Alabama fans, they show support at all times, and it’s a testament to what we built during college," he added. "People want to be involved in that."
