During a pre-practice media session, Vikings Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips noted the 22-year-old QB is often "wise beyond his years." Teammates have said similar things of McCarthy, whose leadership has been noted on multiple occasions.
McCarthy is intentional about building connection and camaraderie with players across the locker room, regardless of position or depth chart standing.
"I feel like it's one team, one heartbeat," he said. "It's not just the quarterbacks, the receivers, the o-line. We are in this thing together. I know training camp is a lot of head-to-head and going against each other, fights and all that — but every single time we're in this locker room, it's one family.
"I feel like I do a really great job of trying to connect with every single person on this team," McCarthy continued. "Starter, not starter, defensive player, special teams guy. You know, that's your role as a quarterback. And at the end of the day, I just love every single guy. We have such great human beings in there, and they're a joy to talk to and get to know."