Minnesota Vikings fans are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what they have in JJ McCarthy.
McCarthy, of course, was the team’s first-round pick in 2024, taking him at No. 10, the highest they’ve selected a QB in franchise history.
He represents the third unique Week 1 starter for them in as many years, as they wanted to change things up after Kirk Cousins left.
McCarthy was a polarizing prospect in some people’s eyes, as some believe he was a product of the Michigan system and nothing more.
He’ll get a chance to prove those doubters wrong starting with the Week 1 matchup between the Vikings and the Chicago Bears.
The Vikings’ coaching staff has expressed the utmost trust in him leading into the season, and he also has the respect of his teammates.
Justin Jefferson talked about this in recent comments shared via the “VikingzFanPage” on X, indicating that McCarthy has the right mental state to become an NFL quarterback.
“Watching him from college, he definitely has it. He definitely has the winning attitude, the dog mentality, just that killer mode. It’s just having that same mentality here, also having more weapons. It’s just all about him calling the play, getting the ball into our hands, and letting everything else work for itself.” Jefferson said.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson on JJ McCarthy:
“Watching him from college, he definitely has it. He definitely has the winning attitude, the dog mentality, just that killer mode. It’s just having that same mentality here, also having more weapons.”pic.twitter.com/Csg1BdPeEE
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 4, 2025
Jefferson, of course, is one of the best receivers in football, so receiving praise like this from him is a big honor.
He’s had to work through lots of quarterback changes to this point in his career, but has still been able to put up video game-like stats.
The hope is that he and McCarthy get off on the right foot starting in Week 1, building a relationship and chemistry, allowing Jefferson to have another eye-popping season.
