JJ McCarthy did not play a game at all last season due to a season-ending surgery on his torn meniscus and for this year, he’ll take the responsibility as their main quarterback. Fans have no reason to doubt especially with Aaron Jones vouching for him, comparing him to all-time great Aaron Rodgers.
JJ McCarthy, Aaron Jones
Jul 28, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball off to running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Jones played six seasons with A-Rod for the Green Bay Packers and they are now both with different teams – Jones with the Vikings and Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 30-year-old running back went back to his time with Rodgers to express belief that their team are in good hands with the 22-year-old McCarthy who will debut as the youngest QB this season. He believes the sophomore and his legendary former teammate are the same in terms of football I.Q.
“He’s just smart the way he studies the game it would be things like, I come in my rookie year and Aaron Rodgers would be like, ‘Hey, the blitz is coming from here,’ ” Jones said during an appearance at the Up and Adams show.
“A-Rod would be able to do the, and he’d help me out so much my first two years in pass protection.”
Aaron Jones told me that JJ McCarthy’s football IQ is right there with AARON RODGERS. Listen to this.@Vikings @UpAndAdamsShow #skol
pic.twitter.com/qu3uUwUi0S
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 20, 2025
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates with Aaron Jones (33) after he scored a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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Kay Adams tried to emphasize that it is Rodgers he is comparing his teammate to but Jones held firm.
“The way he goes about himself, the preparation… it all stems from up here,” he said while pointing to his head.
JJ McCarthy’s confidence is high ahead of debut
McCarthy was picked 10th overall last season in draft pool filled with promising quarterbacks. He was the fifth QB to be selected in the first ten picks.
His peers had a head start. He is basically a rookie this 2025 but his confidence is not lacking.
Where is this coming from? His own coaches and teammates who like Jones are very supportive of him.
“[My confidence is] extremely high, highest it’s ever been,” McCarthy said on Wednesday.
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December 31, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a pass during the pregame before the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
Ncaa Fiesta Bowl Game
“Just looking at the guys around me and the coaching staff — that gives me all the confidence in the world to go out there knowing I’ve got them at my back.”
McCarthy is expected to play in their last pre-season game against the Tennessee Titans. Their debut will be on September 8 against the Chicago Bears.
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