DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 28: Quarterback AJ McCarron #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals smiles as he looks on during player warm ups before a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 28, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

(SP) – Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback A.J. McCarron was to be traded to the Cleveland Browns before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but Cleveland failed to ratify its end of the deal with the league in time, nixing the entire thing. But McCarron says the outcome is not just some stroke of good luck, but a sign Jesus Christ is always by his side.

”I am a man of faith, and today I got tangible proof that the man upstairs is looking out for me,” he said. “I believe that when my time here on earth is done, I will go to heaven. And I also believe that I will not go to hell while here on earth, which means I will never play quarterback for the Browns. I thank Jesus for keeping me out of hell. He worked through the Browns incompetence to deliver me.”

McCarron has a large tattoo of Jesus Christ across his chest and said he will now get the date “10-31-17” right below the image as a reminder of the date Jesus “truly saved me. He saved me from Cleveland.”

The former Alabama quarterback said Tuesday’s events are proof that God answers prayers in ways that are often not expected.

“I have prayed to one day become a starting quarterback in the NFL,” said McCarron. “Well, today God showed me that I should be careful what I wish for. I will happily be a backup forever, even on a mediocre team like the Bengals, over having to actually play for the Browns. I am blessed.”