Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in his first full offseason with the Minnesota Vikings after being the team’s first-round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft. Former teammate Sam Darnold was signed by the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million contract, opening the depth chart for the second-year signal-caller to take the reins of the Vikings’ offense.
In an interview with Kay Adams on the “Up And Adams Show,” the 22-year-old quarterback discussed how he hasn’t officially been named the starter and how that affects his mentality when asked how the team communicated his role for this upcoming season.
“I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day. And I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance, and I’m just going to make the most of it every single day.”
Also, in his conversation with Adams, McCarthy said he’s 100 percent in his recovery from a torn right meniscus. However, the 6-foot-3, 219-pound field general continues to rehab. McCarthy, last year’s No. 10 overall pick, won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, leading the Big Ten program to a 15-0 record and win over the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff.
That season, he passed for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions, capping off his collegiate career with a 27-1 record as a starting quarterback.
