NFL Insider Reveals J.J. McCarthy's Interesting Offseason Training Details
J.J. McCarthy is gearing up for his first start in the NFL after missing his entire rookie season due to an injury. The 22-year-old quarterback could throw only two touchdowns before tearing his right knee meniscus in preseason.
Advertisement
The No. 10 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft became the first QB to miss the entire rookie season due to injury after getting drafted in the first round.. The Vikings handed the QB1 mantle to Sam Darnold last season, but everything points to McCarthy taking that role in the upcoming season.
The Athletic's analyst Alec Lewis shared some insights from McCarthy's offseason training sessions in Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy(9)"The Vikings weren't babying J.J. McCarthy this spring. He may have been coming off of a torn meniscus, and he may only be in his second season, but Minnesota's staff made the tests difficult," he wrote.
Advertisement
Lewis further added that the Vikings' QB was handed lengthy call sheets before practice and was responsible for calls at the line of scrimmage. Although there were no such consequences for mistakes, each rep was played with utmost seriousness.
"McCarthy didn't float perfectly through the weeks, but a steady stream of growth imprinted on the staffers monitoring him every day. He threw the ball with accuracy. His arm strength stood out," Lewis wrote.
The analyst noted that McCarthy's ability to layer different throws is his physical priority, but the mental challenges have taken the driver's seat. The coaching staff hopes to supercharge some growth in the Michigan Wolverines' star by making it as challenging as it has been over the past few months.
J.J. McCarthy enters his rookie season with plenty of talent around him. He'll have superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson as his go-to target, while the backfield will feature the duo of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Up front, veterans Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, along with first-round pick Donovan Jackson, are expected to anchor the offensive line.
Advertisement
The Vikings are coming off a dominant 14-win regular season, only to suffer a disappointing early exit at the hands of the Rams in the Wild Card Round. Minnesota is counting on McCarthy to deliver and help the team make a deeper playoff push in 2025.
Related: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Deemed 'Polar Opposite' of Sam Darnold
Related: Vikings Trade Idea Sees J.J. McCarthy Joined by Young Gunslinger QB
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Max Shulga discovered Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla pulls no punches on his first day
When it comes to the Boston Celtics, head coach Joe Mazzulla does not pull any punches with his players. And it took new Celtics two way shooting guard Max Shulga less than 24 hours to find that out for himself. Speaking to the media in a press conference to introduce all of Boston's incoming picks from the 2025 NBA draft, the Celtics' No. 57 overall pick took some time to talk with the local press assembled to get a first look at the new rookie class on their first day in the city. Shulga spoke at length about how Mazzula does not sugarcoat anything for his players, as well as what it is like for the former Utah State alum to reunite with Boston big man Neemias Queta, a teammate of his there during their overlapping college days. He also got into what it was like to meet his new Celtics teammates. Advertisement The folks behind the "CLNS Media Boston Sports Network" YouTube channel put together a clip of the talk for us to watch later. Check it out below! If you enjoy this pod, check out the "How Bout Them Celtics," "First to the Floor," and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network: This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Max Shulga learned Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla pulls no punches fast
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aaron Rodgers' Malibu workout photo with several Steelers goes viral
Aaron Rodgers has been making up for lost time — training and building chemistry with several of the Steelers' talented pass catchers in Malibu. In rare Rodgers fashion, the Steelers QB took to Instagram and posted a group photo from their summer workout — which has since gone viral and can be seen below: DK Metcalf previously confirmed there would be a California workout taking place with Rodgers, but it's awesome to see wide receivers Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and tight end Pat Freiermuth make the trip as well. Advertisement Missing from the Malibu-based workout was none other than newly acquired Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith — who has taken to social media to post a hype video for his upcoming Steelers season. The Steelers offense is shaping up to be an exciting unit to watch in 2025, but one can't help but wonder if there's still a move or two Pittsburgh can make before the season begins. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers' Malibu workout photo goes viral
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kyle Keyser Signs One-Year Deal With Colorado Eagles
Washington Commanders make the boldest bet of the NFC East this offseason Kyle Crabbs discusses the competitiveness of the NFC East for the 2025 season where the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders all have placed big bets on themselves, but the offseason move that stands out the most is the Commanders signing Laremy Tunsil 3:31 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
