J.J. McCarthy entered the NFL as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in recent college football history, boasting a 27-1 record as a starter and a national championship in his final season at Michigan. Selected 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft, he was expected to compete for the starting job immediately.
That trajectory was halted during the team’s preseason opener when McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 season. Now, the wait appears to be over.
On Tuesday morning, McCarthy joined "Up & Adams" with Kay Adams and delivered the update Vikings fans had been hoping to hear.
“I would say I’m 100%,” McCarthy said, adding that his knee feels “fantastic.”
The injury required surgery in August 2024 and two follow-up procedures in the months that followed, including a biologic injection to address swelling during rehab. Despite the challenges, McCarthy maintained a positive outlook throughout his recovery.
“The ultimate blessing,” he called it. “Because it’s just such a time of stillness where you really get to reflect and introspect.”
McCarthy’s mindset and maturity have only strengthened the Vikings’ belief that he is their quarterback of the future.
Since the end of the 2024 season, the Vikings have made one thing clear—they’re fully committed to J.J. McCarthy as their future starter.
Sam Darnold, who stepped in and led Minnesota to the playoffs, won’t be back in 2025. The team also chose not to re-sign Daniel Jones, who has since signed with the Indianapolis Colts and quickly dismissed any speculation linking them to Aaron Rodgers.
Fully healthy, mentally refreshed, and backed by an organization that’s handed him the keys, McCarthy now has every opportunity to lead the Vikings into a new era.
