After missing his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is eager to return to the field. The Vikings traded up to select McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but veteran quarterback Sam Darnold’s impressive performance last season, which earned him Pro Bowl honors, has created uncertainty about McCarthy’s immediate future as the starter.
McCarthy understands that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell won’t simply hand him the job.
“Coach O’Connell is one of the most genuine guys I know, and our conversations have always been about what’s best for the Minnesota Vikings,” McCarthy told The Rich Eisen Show on February 4. “At the end of the day, a lot of things are out of my control, and even out of his control. But he has the final say on the field, and that’s all that matters.”
The young quarterback is focused on earning his opportunity the right way.
“All I can ask for is a fair chance,” McCarthy continued. “That’s something I believe everyone should have. But when money gets involved, things can get complicated—reps get distributed differently, and politics come into play. I can’t control that. I can only control my own preparation.”
He emphasized his mindset heading into the competition.
“My feelings don’t matter. No one’s giving me any grace or sympathy. This is the big leagues,” McCarthy said. “I have to stay locked in on what I can control—each workout, each film session, and even the little things in my personal life. That focus keeps me at peace through all of this.”
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McCarthy Reflects on Challenging Rookie Year
Despite not playing in 2024, McCarthy found value in his time on the sideline.
McCarthy, who was promoting his partnership with Sleep Number, shared how he manages his ADHD and confirmed he is ahead of schedule in his rehab.
“I’m feeling fantastic—mentally, physically, spiritually. I couldn’t be in a better spot,” he told Eisen. “With about 67 days until OTAs, there’s still time, but not much to waste. I’m making the most of it.”
He acknowledged the emotional difficulty of missing his rookie season.
“It was tough, to be honest,” McCarthy said. “Going from 15-0 and winning a national championship to having my season end before it even started—it was a big adjustment. I was part of the team, but at the same time, I wasn’t. Watching our team succeed from the sidelines was both inspiring and challenging.”
Despite the setbacks, he saw the experience as invaluable.
“It was a blessing, really. Not even a blessing in disguise—just a blessing,” McCarthy reflected. “The hardest part was watching my teammates battle every week and not being able to go out there with them.”
McCarthy underwent two knee surgeries—one to repair the meniscus and a second procedure after experiencing swelling. However, his recovery remains on track for OTAs.
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McCarthy Praises Sam Darnold’s ‘Beautiful Ability’
McCarthy knows that Darnold remains the biggest obstacle between him and the starting job. However, instead of seeing Darnold as just competition, McCarthy has taken valuable lessons from his veteran teammate.
“Mostly, I’ve learned from how he handles success,” McCarthy said. “I watched him be the same guy every single day. He has this beautiful ability to not care too much but also not care too little. That’s something I struggle with because I care so much, and when things don’t go my way, that inner critic gets loud.”
He admired Darnold’s ability to stay focused.
“He just kept the main thing the main thing—attacking each day with the same approach. And he played really well this year. It was great to witness.”
McCarthy expressed gratitude for being part of Darnold’s journey.
“Every quarterback has their own path,” he said. “To be part of his journey, even for a short time, was a blessing. I’ve learned lessons that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career.”
