It has been a quarter-century since Tom Brady suited up for the Maize and Blue, leading the program to Big Ten titles and more during his tenure as a Wolverine under former head coach Lloyd Carr. Heading into the 2023 season, the program and the sport have undergone significant changes, yet Brady remains the standard for football players all over the world. JJ McCarthy, the current quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines football program, is determined to chase Brady’s legacy on various levels and aims to catch up to him.
JJ McCarthy looking to become an all-time great for the Michigan Wolverines football program
It has been nearly three decades since the Michigan Wolverines football program last won a national title, and this year’s team is eager to change that. In 1997, Tom Brady was an up-and-coming backup quarterback for the Maize and Blue; he became Michigan’s starter the following year and led the Wolverines to a 10-3 finish with a Big Ten title. While Tom Brady never managed to win a national championship as a starter, he did set an NFL record with seven Super Bowl victories throughout his illustrious “GOAT” career.
This year, JJ McCarthy seeks to accomplish what Brady couldn’t as Michigan’s starting QB — a national title. He aims to propel the Michigan Wolverines to the top of college football for the 12th time in program history.
“I have so much respect for (Brady) and everything he’s done with what he’s been given, but I’m chasing him,” McCarthy said ahead of the Wolverines’ 2022 College Football Playoff bout vs. TCU.
“I’m chasing him,” McCarthy continued. “I texted him when I got here, and I told him, ‘I want to get the ring that you didn’t get.’ That goes for this year and winning that national championship. Ultimately, the goal is to have more rings than that guy, and I’m going to do whatever I can to follow his blueprint and hopefully surpass him.”
JJ McCarthy has the skill set and the support around him to fulfill the dream of winning a national title. While it remains to be seen how this year will pan out for the Maize and Blue, it’s clear that expectations in Ann Arbor are sky-high, and this year’s team appears ready to deliver an unforgettable season.
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