Support for J.J. McCarthy continues to illustrate why the Minnesota Vikings traded up to select him No. 10 overall in the draft and their reluctance to commit to any veteran long-term, with versatile safety and teammate Josh Metellus offering a ringing endorsement.
McCarthy missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus, but he is going through his second training camp.
Metellus, a team captain in 2024, is firmly behind his QB.
“He’s definitely due for a big year. And I know he’s excited to get back out there. I just was talking to him. He spent some good time this offseason, getting away, but making sure his mind was still right. So, I’m excited to see what he’s going to do this year. I know he’s going to do good things. We got a great coach for him. He doesn’t have to do too much, but besides just get the ball to the guys we need to get the ball to and do him,” Metellus told Meirov on “NFL Spotlight” in the interview, which was published on July 29.
“I think he’s going to be in a great spot, and I think people are going to be very surprised to see the type of ball he plays this year.”
McCarthy, who turned 22 in January, led the Michigan Wolverines to a championship in his final season. He also threw for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception on 64.7% completion in the Vikings’ 2024 preseason opener, during which he tore his meniscus.
However, McCarthy impressed his coaches, who considered him a potential challenger for former starter Sam Darnold and kept him engaged during his downtime.
The Vikings’ efforts and faith in McCarthy may already be paying off.
J.J. McCarthy’s ‘Aura’ Evident Around Vikings Facilities
GettyJ.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the start of a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins.
Metellus actually led with the trait McCarthy possesses that has impressed him in their time together: his mind. Metellus said, “Above the shoulders matters most,” and McCarthy “has it.”
“That’s what takes you far in this league,” Metellus said. “You can tell he’s been a pro his whole life. Just the way he works, the way he just goes about certain things, the way he talks, the way he’s intentional about his day-to-day process is very unique. It’s very special.
“When you implant him into a kind of team that we had, it’s only going to elevate it. He has a great, great aura. It’s insane the amount of like aura he has when he walks in the room. Because it almost feels a little weird. Like, ‘Damn, J.J. ain’t here?’ You can just tell because he has that confidence. But it’s not like a overconfidence. It’s more of a poise.”
During his rehab, McCarthy remained involved in the team’s meetings.
McCarthy would also review game film via virtual reality, providing him with real-world examples and opportunities to bond with his Vikings teammates.
J.J. McCarthy Developing Additional ‘Pitch’
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during training camp.
McCarthy admitted to being a “one-speed-pitch” QB, but he has shown off improved touch in his second training camp with the Vikings.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis highlighted one exemplary completion to Jalen Nailor.
“This was the most notable J.J. McCarthy throw from yesterday,” Lewis posted on X, along with a clip of the play, on July 29. “Up and over. In the window only Jalen Nailor could catch it. Seeing him do this twice in three days was very encouraging.”
McCarthy has also shown a strong rapport with Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, and has not had Justin Jefferson since the Vikings’ All-Pro suffered a hamstring injury.
