Vikings Teammate Speaks Out Boldly About JJ McCarthy
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The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2025 NFL season with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy penciled in as their starter.
After a 2024 season that saw the Vikings finish the regular season with a 14-3 record under Sam Darnold, McCarthy is facing a lot of pressure. He’s being asked to come in as the starter without any regular season experience and keep Minnesota in the hunt as a contender in the NFC.
When the Vikings originally drafted him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was clear that they expected him to be their long-term franchise quarterback. He will have a chance this season to prove them right and to shut down all of his doubters and critics.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the pre-season game against Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the pre-season game against Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
So far, McCarthy has made Minnesota feel very good about his chances of having a big first season as the starter. He has looked good in minicamp and his teammates are also liking what they are seeing.
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One of those teammates, tight end T.J. Hockenson, recently spoke out about the young signal caller. Hockenson is clearly expecting McCarthy to have a great second season.
During an interview with Scott Thompson of Fox News Digital, Hockenson opened up with his opinion on the former Michigan standout quarterback.
“He’s got that switch,” Hockenson said. “He turns that on when he gets on the field. You don’t really notice that when you’re just hanging out and talking with him, but he really wants it. He really wants everything to be perfect, and he’s a perfectionist for sure, which is awesome. …You know, [the ball] zips on you, and he can spin it. It’s been a lot of fun to see him in [organized team activities], and [I] can’t wait to get out there with him in camp and throughout the season.”
Hockenson is expected to be a big-time weapon for McCarthy and the Vikings this season. The second-year signal caller has one of the best supporting casts in football.
Outside of Hockenson, Minnesota has Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as its top two wide receivers. Aaron Jones is the starting running back and one of the best dual-threat backs in the NFL. Jordan Mason was also acquired in an offseason trade to be the team’s backup running back.
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All across the field, McCarthy will have weapons to work with. Everything is set up for him to find success.
It will be interesting to see what the young quarterback is able to do during the 2025 season. The Vikings have a roster built to compete and if McCarthy can play to the level they’re expecting, the team could be a Super Bowl contender once again.
For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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