J.J. McCarthy was sorry.
He had kept the media waiting while he finished his workout. Sweat dripped off his face as he expressed gratitude for his teammates attending organized team activities (OTAs).
“I honestly feel physically bigger, faster, and stronger,” he said regarding his rehab after tearing his meniscus last year.
McCarthy flashed stardom in his first preseason game. However, he became the only first-round quarterback to miss his rookie season in the common draft era (since 1967). The only upside? McCarthy, 22, is a year older now.
“I would just say just naturally, age,” McCarthy said, explaining why he’s stronger and faster than he was as a rookie. “Being able to be here the entire offseason, work out five days a week.”
McCarthy spent last season studying the Minnesota Vikings’ playbook, recovering, and meditating. O’Connell believes that quarterbacks operate best with a quieted mind, meaning calm on Sunday comes from preparation during the week. McCarthy meditates to relax and clear his mind.
In addition to recovery, McCarthy has been in the weight room, adding to his 6’3”, 197 lb. frame. The results of his work manifested during OTAs.
Let it fly 9️⃣@jjmccarthy09 pic.twitter.com/hqgXwEXT23
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 27, 2025
Hall of Fame basketball coach John Wooden said that the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching. McCarthy mostly operated behind the scenes last year, progressively improving so that he can look like a franchise quarterback this season.
Sam Darnold rejuvenated his career last year while leading the Vikings to 14 wins. McCarthy may have taken over after Darnold faltered against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10. However, Darnold bounced back and threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Even though Darnold played poorly in the middle of the season, Minnesota would have stuck with him if McCarthy wasn’t ready. Darnold eventually recovered, and the Vikings don’t want to rush McCarthy. They are trying to provide the perfect environment for him to succeed. If anything, McCarthy’s injury may have alleviated pressure to start him before he was ready.
Still, despite Darnold’s success last year, they let him leave in free agency. The Seattle Seahawks signed him to a $100 million contract, while McCarthy enters the second year of his rookie deal.
Minnesota has cleared the way for McCarthy to start. They traded for Sam Howell, who will compete with McCarthy in camp but projects to be a backup. The Vikings also bolstered their offensive line and traded for Jordan Mason to reinforce their running game.
Justin Jefferson is also present after missing OTAs in the past two years while negotiating his contract extension. His presence has allowed Jefferson to build chemistry with McCarthy, which is vital for his development.
“[Jefferson has] been here and spent some time here during [Phase 2] when we’re pitching and catching,” said O’Connell. “You hear his voice. You hear his interactions with teammates, and they just carry such a long way.”
The starting job is McCarthy’s to lose. He looked the part last preseason and in OTAs this year. Nobody will know if McCarthy is ready until Week 1, but he’s put in the time. He’s studied the playbook, hit the weight room, and quieted his mind.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen him, but McCarthy has no reason to apologize. He’s come back bigger, faster, and stronger. He has done what he can to ensure that last year wasn’t lost time.