Who is J.J. McCarthy? A winner.

It didn’t take long for the criticism to start rolling in as J.J. McCarthy played in his first NFL game. Through two quarters, McCarthy had less than 50 yards passing and the Minnesota Vikings' offense looked lethargic at best. A combination of great defense by the Chicago Bears and McCarthy still trying to settle in led to the Vikings stumbling into halftime. And it only got worse as McCarthy threw his first career interception — a pick six by former Viking Nahshon Wright.

At the start of the fourth quarter, things are looking dire for Minnesota. They need to make something happen and fast. Down 17–6, Bears kicker Cairo Santos missed a 50-yard field goal that gave the Vikings a bit of hope. Up to that point, the offense was quiet and Minnesota seemed to have no life. It’s easy to want to give up. Let’s face it, a young, 22-year-old quarterback is making his NFL debut on the road against a divisional opponent. Moreover, he threw a pick-six that was sure to derail anyone’s confidence.

“Is there any place else you guys would rather be?” Those were the words of a player who understands what it takes to be a winner. That’s who McCarthy is, and always has been. Vikings running back Aaron Jones spoke highly of McCarthy’s mental fortitude and character after the game.

“You damn right there’s no other place I’d rather be,” said Jones in an interview after the game. As you would’ve guessed, Minnesota rallied. McCarthy went 6/8 for 87 yards through the air with 2 touchdowns to give the Vikings the lead. He then added a rushing touchdown for good measure to put the game away as Minnesota defeated Chicago 27-24.

It was a historic night for the youngest starting QB in the NFL. McCarthy became the first player since Steve Young to lead a fourth-quarter comeback down 10+ points in his debut. Moreover, he became the first QB ever to score 3 TDs in the fourth quarter.

The critics were silenced as McCarthy did something even more impressive. His record as a starting QB since high school is astonishing. McCarthy is 64–3 (!!) as a starting QB since high school. His last regular-season loss as of Monday night was over 2,500 days ago.

McCarthy is as unselfish as they come. In a critical game at Penn State during the 2023 season, Michigan opted to run the ball 32 straight times en route to a win. McCarthy finished the game with 8 pass attempts. Instead of complaining, he bought in. Because all he cares about is the win column. He could’ve gone to other schools like Ohio State, LSU, Alabama, ect. and put up monster numbers. Maybe he wins a Heisman trophy along the way. He simply didn’t care.

When McCarthy committed to Michigan, it was in the midst of a rough season. Jim Harbaugh was on the hot seat and he could’ve been fired. McCarthy could have decommitted and gone elsewhere. Nobody would’ve blamed him for it. Instead he stayed locked in with the Wolverines through thick and thin.

“I want all Michigan fans to do this. Take 3 deep breaths... And have faith. Faith that every single Coach, player, employee in that building is doing everything they possibly can to be great.”

That is what McCarthy said on Twitter/X on Nov. 15, 2020. The night before, Michigan was embarrassed 49-11 at home. He could’ve simply chosen not to believe, but he did. Three years later, he delivered. The Wolverines won a National Championship led by McCarthy. He capped his college career with a 27–1 record as the starting QB. Two undefeated regular seasons, two Big Ten Championships, a National Championship and most importantly, undefeated against Ohio State.

Who is J.J. McCarthy? A winner. One that Minnesota will hopefully have for a long time.