J. J. McCarthy
J. J. McCarthy (born January 20, 2003) is an American football quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, where he compiled a 27–1 record as a starter and led the team to a national championship in the 2023 season.[2] McCarthy was selected by the Vikings with the tenth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, becoming the first Michigan quarterback chosen by the franchise in the first three rounds of any draft.[3][4] Born in Evanston, Illinois, McCarthy grew up in the Chicago area and initially attended Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, where he started at quarterback for two seasons, leading the Roadrunners to a 26–2 record.[5] He transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year in 2020, helping the team win a national championship while finishing his high school career with a 36–2 record as a starter, 7,905 passing yards, 94 touchdowns, and only 13 interceptions.[4] A four-star recruit, McCarthy committed to the University of Michigan in May 2019, drawn to the program's tradition and proximity to home.[6] At Michigan, McCarthy redshirted during the 2021 season before emerging as the starter in 2022, posting an undefeated 15–0 record that year with 2,719 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions.[7] In 2023, he started all 15 games, achieving career highs with 240 completions on 332 attempts for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions, while guiding the Wolverines to a perfect 15–0 season, a Big Ten Conference title, and their first national championship since 1997.[4] Over three seasons, McCarthy appeared in 40 games with 28 starts, finishing with a 482-of-713 completion rate for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, establishing himself as one of the most efficient and winningest quarterbacks in Michigan history.[7] McCarthy entered the NFL as the Vikings' first-round selection in 2024, missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.[3] He assumed the starting role in 2025, making his NFL debut on September 8 with a 27–24 victory over the Chicago Bears, where he threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns with a 98.5 passer rating, becoming the first player in NFL history to account for three total touchdowns in the fourth quarter of his debut.[8] As of Week 10 of the 2025 season (November 9, 2025), McCarthy has started four games, completing 58 of 108 passes for 692 yards, five passing touchdowns, and six interceptions, while adding 21 rushes for 110 yards and two rushing touchdowns; he suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 that sidelined him for Weeks 3–7, returned for a 27–24 upset win over the Detroit Lions in Week 9, and sustained a minor right hand injury in the Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens but is expected to play in Week 11.[9][10][11][12]Early years
Childhood and family background
Jonathan James McCarthy was born on January 20, 2003, in Evanston, Illinois.[13] He grew up in La Grange Park, a suburb about 15 miles west of Chicago, where his family provided a supportive environment centered on athletics.[14] McCarthy is the eldest of three children, with two younger sisters, Caitlin and Morgan.[15] His parents, Jim and Megan McCarthy, both had backgrounds in competitive sports that influenced his early development. Jim, a former football player, coached his son's youth teams and emphasized a balanced approach to athletics.[16] Megan, a former figure skater, introduced McCarthy to ice skating and supported his initial passion for hockey, which he began playing in kindergarten.[17] The family's athletic heritage, combined with their decision to let McCarthy pursue multiple sports without early specialization, helped shape his competitive mindset during childhood.[18] McCarthy's interest in football emerged later in his youth, around fifth grade, when he committed to improving his skills in the sport despite his primary focus on hockey.[19] His family, longtime Chicago Bears fans, attended games together, fostering a love for professional football from an early age.[20] This blend of sports experiences in La Grange Park laid the foundation for his athletic path, leading him to enroll at Nazareth Academy for high school.[21]High school career
J. J. McCarthy began his high school football career at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, where he played quarterback for three seasons under coach Tim Racki.[22] As a sophomore in 2018, he led the Roadrunners to the Illinois Class 7A state championship, completing 182 of 240 passes for 3,448 yards and 39 touchdowns with just four interceptions during the season.[22][23] In 2019, as a junior, McCarthy guided Nazareth to a 13-1 record and a runner-up finish in the Class 7A state playoffs, throwing for 2,820 yards and 34 touchdowns.[22][24] His performance earned him a spot on the Chicago Sun-Times All-Area first team.[25] Following the cancellation of the 2020 Illinois high school football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McCarthy transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year.[22] At IMG, he completed 91 of 157 passes for 1,440 yards and 16 touchdowns without any interceptions, while adding 101 rushing yards and one score, helping the Ascenders achieve an undefeated 8-0 record and a consensus national high school football championship.[22][4] Over his high school career, McCarthy amassed 7,905 passing yards, 94 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, compiling a 36-2 record as a starting quarterback.[22][7] McCarthy emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects in the class of 2021, rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 2 pro-style quarterback nationally by 247Sports.[22] He received offers from numerous elite programs, including Ohio State, Alabama, and Texas A&M.[26] On May 11, 2019, while still at Nazareth, McCarthy committed to the University of Michigan, citing the program's family atmosphere and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis as key factors in his decision.[6][26] He reaffirmed his pledge after transferring to IMG and enrolled early at Michigan in January 2021.[22]College career
2021 season
As a true freshman in 2021, J. J. McCarthy served as the backup quarterback to Cade McNamara for the Michigan Wolverines, appearing in 11 games while preserving eligibility by not starting any contests.[27] He made his collegiate debut on September 4 against Western Michigan, completing 4 of 6 passes for 80 yards and 1 touchdown, including a highlight-reel 69-yard strike to Daylen Baldwin in a 47-14 victory.[28] Key relief appearances included a perfect 1-for-1 performance for 56 yards and a touchdown pass against Wisconsin on October 2, paired with a 1-yard rushing touchdown in a 38-17 win, as well as going 5-for-5 for 58 yards and another passing touchdown plus a rushing score versus Maryland on November 20 in a 59-18 rout.[29] McCarthy also saw extended action in the Orange Bowl CFP semifinal against Georgia on December 31, completing 7 of 17 passes for 131 yards and 1 touchdown in an 11-34 loss.[29] Over the season, McCarthy recorded 34 completions on 59 attempts for 516 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, while adding 124 rushing yards on 27 carries with 2 scores, demonstrating his dual-threat potential in limited opportunities.[27] These stats contributed to Michigan's successful 12-2 campaign, which included a Big Ten Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff semifinals.[30] During his freshman year, McCarthy focused on personal development under head coach Jim Harbaugh, who praised his consistent "flashes" of talent and rapid adaptation to Michigan's pro-style offensive schemes, emphasizing footwork, decision-making, and preparation for future leadership roles.[31] This mentorship helped him absorb the complexities of the system while building confidence behind McNamara.[32]2022 season
In the 2022 season, J. J. McCarthy transitioned from a backup role in 2021 to Michigan's primary starting quarterback, competing intensely with incumbent Cade McNamara during preseason camp. McNamara started the first game—a 51–7 win over Colorado State—while McCarthy started the second game, a 56–10 victory against Hawaii. Head coach Jim Harbaugh named McCarthy the starter on September 11, following McCarthy's strong performance against Hawaii. McCarthy started the remaining 12 games, leading the Wolverines to a 13–1 overall record, an undefeated 9–0 mark in Big Ten play, a conference championship victory over Purdue (43–22), and an appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.[33][34][35][36][37] McCarthy's individual performance marked a significant step forward in volume and efficiency, completing 208 of 322 passes for 2,719 yards with 22 touchdowns and only five interceptions, achieving a 155.0 passer rating that ranked second in the Big Ten. He also contributed to the team's balanced attack with his mobility, rushing 70 times for 306 yards and five touchdowns. These figures underscored his growth as a dual-threat leader, helping Michigan rank among the nation's top offenses in scoring (41.0 points per game) and total yards.[27][38] Notable performances highlighted McCarthy's poise in high-stakes matchups. In the November 26 rivalry game against Ohio State, a 45–23 win that snapped a long losing streak and clinched a perfect regular season, McCarthy went 12-of-24 for 263 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, outdueling Buckeyes quarterback C. J. Stroud. In the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against TCU on December 31, despite a 51–45 loss that ended Michigan's playoff run, McCarthy threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns on 20-of-34 passing while adding a 20-yard rushing touchdown, though two interceptions contributed to the defeat in a high-scoring affair.[39][40][41] McCarthy earned recognition for his breakout campaign, including second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and third-team from the coaches, as well as a spot on the Davey O'Brien Award Great 8 midseason watch list for top quarterbacks. His leadership helped propel Michigan to its first Big Ten title since 2004 and a No. 3 final AP ranking.[42][43]2023 season
McCarthy entered his junior season as Michigan's undisputed starting quarterback, building on his experience from prior years to guide the Wolverines to an undefeated 15-0 record and their first national championship since 1997.[44] He completed 240 of 332 passes for 2,991 yards, throwing 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions while adding 202 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, showcasing efficient decision-making in a run-heavy offense.[27] His low turnover rate and poise under pressure were pivotal in maintaining Michigan's defensive-minded identity throughout the campaign.[1] Under McCarthy's leadership, Michigan achieved several marquee victories, including a 30-24 upset over rival No. 2 Ohio State on November 25, which clinched their berth in the Big Ten Championship Game.[45] The Wolverines then dominated Iowa 26-0 in the Big Ten title game on December 2, securing their third straight conference championship.[46] In the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024, McCarthy delivered a standout performance, completing 17 of 27 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 25 yards, earning Offensive MVP honors in Michigan's 27-20 overtime victory over Alabama.[47] The season culminated in a 34-13 national championship win over Washington on January 8, where McCarthy went 10 for 18 for 140 yards with no interceptions, including a crucial 37-yard completion that set up a touchdown on the first drive of the second half.[48] His calm orchestration of the offense exemplified the team's resilience amid external challenges like coaching suspensions.[49] McCarthy's exceptional play earned him the Big Ten Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year award, the conference's top offensive honor for quarterbacks, as well as two Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week selections.[50] He was also named First-Team All-Big Ten by coaches and media, and recognized as the team's Most Valuable Player.[51] Following the championship, McCarthy announced on January 14, 2024, that he would forgo his senior year to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.[52]College statistics
McCarthy appeared in 40 games during his three seasons at Michigan (2021–2023), starting 28 of them—none as a freshman in 2021, 13 as a sophomore in 2022, and all 15 as a junior in 2023—while compiling a 27–1 record as a starter.[4] His statistical output reflected Michigan's run-heavy offensive scheme under head coach Jim Harbaugh, which emphasized a dominant ground game (ranking third nationally in rushing yards per game in 2023) and limited passing volume, with the team averaging fewer than 25 pass attempts per game across his starting seasons. This approach contributed to McCarthy's high efficiency metrics but modest yardage totals compared to peers in pass-oriented systems.[53]Passing Statistics
| Year | Class | Games | Starts | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | TDs | INTs | Yards/Att | Adjusted Yards/Att | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | FR | 11 | 0 | 34 | 59 | 57.6 | 516 | 5 | 2 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 152.3 |
| 2022 | SO | 14 | 13 | 208 | 322 | 64.6 | 2,719 | 22 | 5 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 155.0 |
| 2023 | JR | 15 | 15 | 240 | 332 | 72.3 | 2,991 | 22 | 4 | 9.0 | 9.8 | 167.4 |
| Career | 40 | 28 | 482 | 713 | 67.6 | 6,226 | 49 | 11 | 8.7 | 9.4 | 160.5 |
Rushing Statistics
| Year | Class | Games | Starts | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Att | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | FR | 11 | 0 | 27 | 124 | 4.6 | 2 |
| 2022 | SO | 14 | 13 | 70 | 306 | 4.4 | 5 |
| 2023 | JR | 15 | 15 | 64 | 202 | 3.2 | 3 |
| Career | 40 | 28 | 161 | 632 | 3.9 | 10 |
Professional career
Draft process
Following his junior season at Michigan, J.J. McCarthy entered the 2024 NFL Draft process as one of the top quarterback prospects, with his stock rising significantly after leading the Wolverines to a national championship.[54] At the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, McCarthy measured in at 6 feet 3 inches tall and 219 pounds, with 9⅜-inch hands, 31⅝-inch arms, and a 75⅞-inch wingspan; however, he skipped the 40-yard dash and other athletic testing due to hamstring tightness, focusing instead on positional drills where he displayed solid footwork and arm talent.[55][56] Later, at Michigan's pro day on March 20, 2024, McCarthy threw for nearly 25 minutes in a scripted session, delivering clean passes with strong velocity and accuracy, including just two misses, which helped alleviate concerns about his arm strength.[57] Scouting reports highlighted McCarthy's athleticism and poise as key strengths, praising his mobility for extending plays and evading pressure, as well as his quick decision-making and high completion percentage under duress—95.1% in 2023, the best in FBS.[58][59] Analysts noted his functional mobility rated at 8.8/10 and decision-making at 8.0/10, with natural timing and rhythm in his throws.[58] Concerns centered on his limited passing volume in Michigan's run-heavy offense—just 2,991 yards in 15 starts during 2023—raising questions about his experience in high-volume, pro-style systems and occasional inconsistencies in processing complex reads or ball placement on deep throws.[60][61] Pre-draft projections reflected McCarthy's upward trajectory, with early mocks placing him in the mid-first round before his championship performance elevated him into top-10 contention; by late March 2024, outlets like ESPN and NFL.com projected him as high as No. 2 overall, though consensus settled around the top 10 due to his winning pedigree and athletic traits.[60][62] On draft night, April 25, 2024, in Detroit, the Minnesota Vikings selected McCarthy 10th overall, trading up from No. 11 with the New York Jets to secure the pick.[63] He signed his rookie contract on July 19, 2024—a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth $21.85 million, including a $12.71 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option.[64][65]2024 season
McCarthy entered the 2024 NFL season as the Minnesota Vikings' first-round draft pick, selected tenth overall amid high expectations for his potential as the franchise quarterback. During training camp, he competed intensely with veteran Sam Darnold for the starting role, with head coach Kevin O'Connell initially positioning Darnold as the presumptive starter while giving McCarthy opportunities to earn first-team reps. McCarthy impressed in practices, demonstrating poise and mobility, but Darnold's experience kept him ahead in the competition.[66][67] McCarthy's rookie year was derailed early when he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during the Vikings' preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 10, 2024. He started the game and completed 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while adding 18 rushing yards before exiting in the second quarter after the injury occurred on a designed run. Subsequent evaluation and surgery revealed the need for a full meniscus repair, leading to his placement on injured reserve and ruling him out for the entire season.[68][69][70] With McCarthy sidelined, the Minnesota Vikings turned to Darnold as their primary quarterback, achieving a strong 14–3 regular-season record and securing a playoff berth as the NFC's fifth seed. The team advanced to the wild-card round but fell to the Los Angeles Rams, 27–9. McCarthy did not appear in any regular-season games, finishing the year with zero official statistics.[71][72] Throughout his recovery, McCarthy focused on rehabilitation, initially limited to non-weight-bearing activities for six weeks post-surgery before progressing to on-field work. In November 2024, he underwent a minor, non-surgical procedure to address swelling in the knee after increasing rehab intensity, allowing him to continue his structured return-to-play program under the team's medical staff. Despite the setback, McCarthy remained engaged with the Minnesota Vikings, attending meetings and supporting teammates from the sidelines. He did not receive any rookie awards, such as the Pepsi Next Gen QB, due to his lack of playing time.[73][69][3]2025 season
McCarthy entered the 2025 season as the Minnesota Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback after Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 on September 8, 2025, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 27–24 victory over his hometown Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, completing 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for 25 yards and a touchdown. In Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, McCarthy started again but the Minnesota Vikings lost 6–22; he went 11 of 21 for 158 yards with two interceptions and rushed for 25 yards.[74][75] Following the game, McCarthy suffered a right ankle injury that sidelined him for Weeks 3 through 8, during which the Minnesota Vikings went 2–4. He returned in Week 9 on November 2, 2025, for a 27–24 upset road win over the Detroit Lions, completing 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns (both to Justin Jefferson) and one interception, plus a 12-yard rushing touchdown. In Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens, McCarthy started in a 19–27 loss, finishing 20 of 42 for 248 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while rushing for 48 yards. McCarthy sustained a minor bruise to his right hand late in the Week 10 game after hitting a helmet, but he had no injury designation and started in Week 11.[74][76][12] In Week 11 on November 16, 2025, against the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings lost 17–19; McCarthy completed 16 of 32 passes for 151 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions, while rushing for 5 yards. In Week 12 on November 23, 2025, against the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings lost 6–23; McCarthy completed 12 of 19 passes for 87 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for 5 yards. The offense struggled with defensive pressure in both games.[74][77][78][79] As of November 23, 2025 (following Week 12), McCarthy has appeared in six games, all starts, with a 2–4 record as a starter. He has completed 86 of 159 passes for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and ten interceptions, while rushing 21 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings hold a 4–8 overall record, placing fourth in the NFC North. Challenges have included a high turnover rate, particularly interceptions in recent games, and adjusting to the NFL's speed, though his mobility has remained a strength.[74][10][80]Career statistics
College statistics
McCarthy appeared in 40 games during his three seasons at Michigan (2021–2023), starting 28 of them—none as a freshman in 2021, 13 as a sophomore in 2022, and all 15 as a junior in 2023—while compiling a 27–1 record as a starter.[4] His statistical output reflected Michigan's run-heavy offensive scheme under head coach Jim Harbaugh, which emphasized a dominant ground game (ranking third nationally in rushing yards per game in 2023) and limited passing volume, with the team averaging fewer than 25 pass attempts per game across his starting seasons. This approach contributed to McCarthy's high efficiency metrics but modest yardage totals compared to peers in pass-oriented systems.[53]Passing Statistics
| Year | Class | Games | Starts | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | TDs | INTs | Yards/Att | Adjusted Yards/Att | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | FR | 11 | 0 | 34 | 59 | 57.6 | 516 | 5 | 2 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 152.3 |
| 2022 | SO | 14 | 13 | 208 | 322 | 64.6 | 2,719 | 22 | 5 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 155.0 |
| 2023 | JR | 15 | 15 | 240 | 332 | 72.3 | 2,991 | 22 | 4 | 9.0 | 9.8 | 167.4 |
| Career | 40 | 28 | 482 | 713 | 67.6 | 6,226 | 49 | 11 | 8.7 | 9.4 | 160.5 |
Rushing Statistics
| Year | Class | Games | Starts | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Att | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | FR | 11 | 0 | 27 | 124 | 4.6 | 2 |
| 2022 | SO | 14 | 13 | 70 | 306 | 4.4 | 5 |
| 2023 | JR | 15 | 15 | 64 | 202 | 3.2 | 3 |
| Career | 40 | 28 | 161 | 632 | 3.9 | 10 |