What Michigan Football Quarterback Said Pre-National Championship

HOUSTON — Washington football star Michael Penix Jr. is the talk of the town right now after finishing as a Heisman finalist and leading his Huskies to a National Championship Game against the No. 1 Wolverines. On the other sideline will be Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy, a superstar for the Maize and Blue, who had a lot to say before tomorrow’s title matchup.

Here is what Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy said before the National Championship Game

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, right, is interviewed by Big Ten Network analyst and former Michigan tight end Jake Butt during national championship game media day at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024.

JJ McCarthy details high respect level for Michael Penix Jr.

“You know, he (Washington football quarterback Michael Penix Jr.) had my Heisman vote. Not going to lie. Michael Penix, everything he’s been through, all the adversity, all the injuries, just continuing to stick to the process and keep pressing on, that’s something that Coach Herb always talks about, a future favors those who press on. He’s the epitome of that. The player he is, the touch he puts on the ball, the accuracy, the ball placement, just a tremendous quarterback and I have so much respect for him.”

Mindset change from last year

“I think the difference in preparation, different from last two years, was more about ourselves, how are we going to go out there and be the best version of ourselves. At the end of the day, the last two playoff games we were beating ourselves. So just staying focused and keep thing simple, stay in the present moment, and attack every day. You never get those days back, never get that meeting back, that practice back. I feel like we’ve done a really good job trying to maximize every single day and get the best out of it.”

How special is this Michigan football team?

“It’s extremely special. I feel like that’s the reason we are here is because how much we love each other and play for each other, outside of all the NIL, the transfer portal. We’re an old-school football team at the end of the day. We go out there leaving it all on the line every single play and we play for each other ultimately. I think that’s our secret sauce to our success this year.”

Comparing JJ McCarthy to ex-Michigan football quarterback Tom Brady

“Yeah, it’s a tremendous honor. Everything about Tom, like every aspect of his life, every aspect of his game, you want to aspire to be like it. Me personally, I don’t like comparisons because we’re unique and have different traits and aspects that makes us special. Just hearing that just gives you that reassurance that you’re on the right path and doing the right things. It means a lot, but at the end of the day I don’t like to compare myself to anyone. I just like to go out there and be the best version of myself.”

McCarthy’s relationship with Brady

“A pretty good one. We text here and there. I haven’t got the opportunity to meet him in person. He’s always been great responding to me with detailed answers and been supportive since got here. So much love and respect for Tom. Going to continue to keep bugging him.”

Explaining his crown celebration ahead of the National Championship

“I just saw it as a celebration that mostly people like crown themselves. I feel like this is the ultimate team game, and there is nothing that can be done on a single play without all 11. Just the reputation of it takes all of us and we are going to reward each guy we can on each and every play, especially if it’s successful.”

Breaking down Washington football defense

“I think the biggest challenge is going to be receivers getting open. They do a tremendous job of disguising coverage and they’re ultimately fast, physical, and a veteran team. A lot of the guys are seniors, six years, and they communicate very well. Just being able to not hurt ourselves and play on the same page is going to be huge for us.”

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