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J.J. McCarthy sounds off after return from injury and it’s hard to ignore

After a devastating injury took him out for the entire of his rookie season, J.J. McCarthy is pretty clear on his ability to be the starter for the Minnesota Vikings.
ByEricka Brockish|
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

J.J. McCarthy went from being a National Champion at Michigan in 2023 to being a first-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, to being a potential starter for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL season. However, all of that changed when McCarthy's season was shut down due to a meniscus tear in his right knee during the 2024 NFL preseason.

McCarthy underwent surgery in August to fix the tear, but before his first NFL season really started, it was already over. Now, under a year later, McCarthy is ready to go, and he is letting everyone know.

In his press conference today, McCarthy talked with the media about the upcoming season, but of course, the first question asked was about his injury and if he thinks he is ready to be the starter for the Vikings going forward. McCarthy didn't waste any time with his response.

"I know I' ready to start," McCarthy said.

The Vikings had a solid season in 2024, even after the McCarthy injury, behind backup quarterback Sam Darnold, who led the team to the playoffs. Not only did the injury take McCarthy out for the season, but it also gave him the opportunity to sit and learn from veterans in the NFL for an entire season.

McCarthy is ready for his first true season in the NFL

Ever since his injury back in August, McCarthy has been focused on getting healthy, but still developing his skills as a quarterback at a high level. There is a reason McCarthy was able to lead Michigan to their first national title since 1997. While the road has been long, McCarthy has been focused on taking it all one day at a time, but is finally ready for his moment.

"Just being able to do my job and simplify things to the best of my ability every single day, and just taking it one day at a time, one play at a time," McCarthy said.

The Vikings now have three quarterbacks on the roster, including McCarthy. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they traded for veteran quarterback Sam Howell, and they also have Brett Rypien on their roster. So by the looks of it, McCarthy should be the starter going forward, but he still will have to earn it, and he seems pretty ready to.

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