Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy could not have written a better first chapter to his NFL journey. Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, the 22-year-old signal caller orchestrated a stirring 27-24 comeback win over the Chicago Bears in his professional debut, making NFL history and providing the Vikings fanbase with hope and excitement for the season ahead.
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
J.J. McCarthy’s Slow Start, Epic Finish
McCarthy’s introduction to the NFL wasn’t without problems. Minnesota appeared to be neutral in offense for three quarters. McCarthy had a hard time connecting, as the Bears had no key players available to them in their secondary, and star receiver Justin Jefferson was only able to catch one ball most of the game. And to top it all, a forced pass meant a pick-six by Chicago’s Nahshon Wright, leaving the Vikings down 17-6 and sealing their fate.
However, what followed was extraordinary. McCarthy got his bad beginning out of the way and in the fourth quarter was the key to one of the most unlikely reversals of the past few years. He spearheaded three straight TD drives with two passing scores and one running score, making him the first rookie in the history of the NFL to have two passing TDs and a rushing TD all in the fourth quarter of their first game.
Overall, J.J. McCarthy finished with 13 out of 20 passes of 143 yards, two TDs and one interception with 25 yards and another touchdown on the field. The numbers were spectacular, yet the theater was more: McCarthy reacting to the challenge, leading the huddle, and “dawg mentality”- as it was described by receiver Justin Jefferson- made an otherwise rough opening to a night to remember.
J.J. McCarthy is the first starting QB with a 10+ point 4th quarter comeback in his NFL debut since Steve Young in 1985
He is the only such QB since 1950 to do so on the road@jjmccarthy09 | #SKOL pic.twitter.com/6fAQfjocLl
— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) September 9, 2025
Setting the Stage for Sunday Night Football
J.J. McCarthy already made a name for himself in the league when he was awarded NFC Offensive Player of the Week because of these heroics. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell praised his calmness and authority in crunch time, and fans are dancing because they saw their ten-overall pick in the draft perform when it counted.
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With the Vikings ready to welcome the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, there is fever-pitch anticipation. J.J. McCarthy will also seek to expand upon his historic debut and will be matched against a former Vikings starter, Kirk Cousins, which will revive a fascinating quarterback story at U.S. Bank Stadium.
If the Week 1 performance is any indication, McCarthy is not just about to enter into the limelight – he’s capable of elevating the Vikings with every snap. Full of swagger, strength, and dramatic flavor, the NFL career of the leaping J.J. McCarthy has had a smashing opening, which promises must-watch football for the weeks ahead.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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