J.J. McCarthy Reflects on First Vikings Practice Experience…

The first practice for a rookie quarterback in the NFL is typically imagined to be quite intimidating, given the quarterback’s high-profile role and the NFL’s demand for precision, even from newcomers.

However, J.J. McCarthy, the new quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, didn’t seem to feel much pressure during his initial session.

In fact, he felt quite comfortable.

“It was simple because it didn’t feel like my first day,” McCarthy shared (via On3) when discussing his first practices with the Vikings. “I’ve been studying the offense for a long time now, so being able to go out there and actually execute it was new, but not overwhelming or too much.”

McCarthy had a reputation in college for being a smart quarterback with the ability to make all the necessary throws for then-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. Although Michigan’s power running game often took precedence, Harbaugh praised McCarthy as the best quarterback in Michigan’s history.

Despite Harbaugh’s tendency for exaggeration, the Vikings saw potential in McCarthy, prompting them to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to pick him 10th overall.

“He’s trying to have the best possible day today and then repeat that tomorrow,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. “He’s very process-driven and understands that there’s a long journey ahead.

“We’re focusing on making incremental gains that will become a fundamental part of how he plays quarterback for a long time. So far, I’ve been really impressed with him.”