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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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