Vikings Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy Debuts vs Bears Monday

J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, is set to make his first NFL regular season start for the Minnesota Vikings against the Chicago Bears, the team he first saw play live as a child. After recovering from knee surgery, McCarthy spent his rookie season learning the Vikings' playbook, attending defensive meetings, and working closely with coaches to prepare for his debut. Known for his energy, toughness, and winning mentality demonstrated during his college career at Michigan, McCarthy aims to manage the natural anxiety and adrenaline of his first game while focusing on execution. The Vikings, eyeing a Super Bowl run, remain optimistic about McCarthy's potential and have surrounded him with a talented roster, though injuries have thinned their wide receiver corps. Veteran coaches like Kevin O’Connell emphasize the importance of time and development for quarterbacks, highlighting McCarthy’s deliberate preparation behind Sam Darnold last season. McCarthy’s presence is already felt off the field, with teammates admiring his dedication and approach, setting a promising tone for his NFL career.