J.J. McCarthy Knows He Has It

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Apr 30, 2025
Jan 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacts during the action while attending the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings got an absolutely exceptional season out of Sam Darnold last year. They probably believed that the level of production was possible. They also believed that their infrastructure would foster those results. Their new quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, knows he has it, too.

J.J. McCarthy Knows He Has It

Last season, there was uncertainty about when the Minnesota Vikings would be willing to turn J.J. McCarthy loose. He looked solid during his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the season-ending knee injury quickly ended the discussion.

Now the team appears to be McCarthy’s for the taking, and he is more than confident in being able to do so.

A level of moxie is required to start at the professional level. McCarthy has heard people doubt his abilities as a quarterback. The Michigan product has been told he is a system quarterback. He has heard people believe his only ability is to turn around and hand the ball off. He has even dealt with sitting out a year and further scrutiny thrown his way.

J.J. McCarthy
Aug 3, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) and quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talk during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Nothing that McCarthy has gone through has done anything except make him stronger and more determined. He is stepping into the role of an NFL starting quarterback and embracing every hurdle he must clear. He will be the young guy in the huddle, but can command the group around him.

That sort of presence is something that should serve McCarthy well. He has already experienced adversity professionally and can utilize that knowledge to succeed when it happens between the lines. A little bit of cockiness can help to foster a significant amount of confidence. McCarthy seems to understand how that line must be toed.

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (12) talk after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Nothing will matter if it doesn’t translate to results on the field. If the swagger and personality don’t strike you in a positive manner, though, you probably haven’t been paying attention.

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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.