J.J. McCarthy Spills the Beans
Six weeks ago, Minnesota Vikings fans were locked in social media trenches wondering if future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers would sign with the purple team, possibly relegating 22-year-0ld quarterback of the future J.J. McCarthy to QB2 duty for at least one year.
J.J. McCarthy Spills the Beans
Fast forward to late April, a few days removed from the 2025 NFL Draft, and all things quarterback news regarding the Vikings are about McCarthy’s health.
And the youngster is ready to go. He’s fully healed from a torn meniscus.
J.J. McCarthy Is 110% Healthy
McCarthy hopped in front of reporters for the first time in eight months on Tuesday, promptly delivering positive news.
He was asked if his knee was 100%, and he replied, “I feel 110 percent, because I feel better than when I got hurt eight months ago.”
That’s all fans need to hear — their QB1 is back with no limitations.
McCarthy on Work and Gratitude
McCarthy didn’t stop at a typical injury recovery update. He dug deeper.
“It was one of the things that I felt benefited me the most during my first injury in college, and bringing that back up was something I was very grateful to do,” McCarthy told the media.
“As simple as that seems, you know, the little things that go overlooked and underappreciated when you’re healthy, or you can walk, or just the ability to see, that’s been a great anchor for me every single morning — along with my meditation — to put great perspective into my days.”
It’s worth noting that the Vikings’ depth chart is totally cleared for McCarthy to ascend this spring and summer. Sam Darnold dipped in free agency for the Seattle Seahawks. Daniel Jones chose the Indianapolis Colts. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Nick Mullens. And, of course — no RodgersMania.
McCarthy added, “Because all of the work that I put in, and just the confidence in my skills and abilities, and being able to do my job and simplify things to the best of my ability every day. Just take it one day at a time. One play at a time. And, you know, I have a tremendous coaching staff, a tremendous group of guys around me; I can lean on them, and they can lean on me.”
“I think the more pressure, the better; that’s something I thrive off. It’s a cliché, ‘pressure is a privilege,’ but that’s something that you sign up for when you play in the National Football League, especially at the quarterback position. I like pressure. All it does is bring out what’s inside you — and I feel pretty good about what’s inside of me.”
McCarthy on His ADHD
The young passer also revealed a new tidbit about his mental health. He has attention deficit disorder.
“I came across this quote, people with ADHD, they find calm in the chaos and chaos in the calm. And I’ve felt like, ever since I was a kid, any competitive environment I was in, I just felt like I was at home,” McCarthy revealed.
“Obviously playing at Michigan, there’s 110,000 fans in the stadium and you’re at one of the most prominent universities out there — that’s just where I feel most comfortable. When the lights are brightest, the stage is the biggest stage out there. And yeah, I know it’s going to be a lot more of that to come.”
A Full Go at QB1
The long takeaway from McCarthy’s presser is his status and the timing.
Some feared his meniscus recovery would bleed into the summer — Vikings fans are cynical — especially after fear-mongering reporting suggested in December that he had a “second surgery” on his knee.
None of that turned out to be accurate, as McCarthy had a standard procedure to help with typical swelling.
Organized team activities kick off late next month, and McCarthy will be ready.
McCarthy’s Pals
Without Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, or Nick Mullens anywhere near the team’s roster, the Vikings will turn to Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer as McCarthy’s support chain in 2025.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah conducted a pick-swap trade for Howell last weekend. Rypien was attached to the roster last year and re-upped with the club this offseason. Brosmer is a new undrafted free agent for Golden Gophers lore.
Vikings Defender Gets Monster Extension
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