Almost a year ago to the day, fans were devastated to learn that former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy had torn his ACL and would miss the entirety of his rookie season for the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, the National Championship-winning QB is finally showing everyone that he was well worth the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
From breaking through on designed quarterback keepers to throwing darts all over the field, McCarthy is proving that he has what it takes to excel at the next level.
During fall camp, McCarthy threw an absolute dime of a cross-body throw to former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Silas Bolden, who Minnesota signed as a free agent during the offseason. Simply put, fans are fawning over their expected QB1.
JJ MCCARTHY WHAT A THROW OMFGG pic.twitter.com/Kplf8WcWEM
— Cam (@42Cyc) August 2, 2025
Reportedly, McCarthy is fitting in seamlessly with the Minnesota offense, and some Vikings' coaches have gone as far as to say that he is "the most talented pound-for-pound quarterback in the NFL."
Drawing comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and fellow National Championship winner Joe Burrow, McCarthy has thrown 29 touchdowns during training camp (as of August 2), which currently leads the entire NFL.
Off the field, fans are falling even more in love with McCarthy. On Friday, Aug. 1, McCarthy made sure to stick around after practice had concluded and signed almost every single person's ball, jersey, and more. This wasn't even the first time he had done it since fall camp kicked off.
Obviously, success against your own defense isn't necessarily an indicator that you're going to lead your team to a Super Bowl victory. However, for McCarthy to show this rapid of acceleration over just a few days is a great sign for the Vikings.
Also read: Highly respected former Michigan Wolverine signs contract extension with Vikings
Minnesota's first preseason game is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT on Aug. 9, when they face the Houston Texans. The Vikings will kick off their regular season with a rivalry matchup against the Chicago Bears at 7:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Sept. 8.