JJ McCarthy achieved what many dream of at the University of Michigan—winning three Big Ten championships, maintaining an undefeated record against fierce rival Ohio State, and ultimately capturing a national championship. These feats solidified his reputation as a top tier quarterback and set the stage for his entry to the NFL Draft.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy was selected 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings. There was a lot of anticipation surrounding McCarthy, with many analysts predicting an intense battle for the starting quarterback position against veteran Sam Darnold. McCarthy’s arrival was seen as a promising shift for the Vikings. Minnesota hoped to harness his dynamic skills to revitalize their offense.
JJ McCarthy out for the 2024 NFL season
However, McCarthy’s NFL journey took an unexpected turn when he underwent right knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The timing of the injury remains unclear. Even though it was apparent that McCarthy had been feeling discomfort for about a week prior to the surgery. Despite his injury, McCarthy demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing to compete at a high level. His determination to play through the pain highlighted his toughness and commitment to the game.
Credit: @vikings IG
The decision to proceed with surgery was made with McCarthy’s long-term health and career in mind. The Vikings medical team agreed that addressing the issue right away was the best course of action for his future. As a result, McCarthy’s rookie season will be put on hold, and fans will have to wait until the 2025 NFL season to see him back in action.
The Vikings are optimistic about McCarthy’s recovery and his potential impact on the team. His college track record and competitive spirit suggest that, once fully recovered, he could be a game changer for Minnesota. In the meantime, McCarthy’s focus will be on getting healthy and preparing for a strong comeback.
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