Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s career continues to come under scrutiny just months into its beginning — but Cam Newton took it to a new level.
While addressing Shedeur Sanders not getting a chance to play as a backup for the Cleveland Browns, Newton brought McCarthy’s name into the mix, arguing that Sanders, a fifth-round pick, is better than McCarthy despite the disparity in their draft status.
“When I saw J.J. McCarthy go top 10, a first-round pick, I said, ‘Shedeur Sanders is better than J.J. McCarthy today,” Newton said on the “4th and 1 Show.”
Newton’s message was not well-received by not just Vikings fans, but NFL fans at large.
NFL Fans React to Cam Newton’s J.J. McCarthy Take
You know it’s a bad take when a rival has to get involved, exactly what a Green Bay Packers fan did in response to Newton’s dig at McCarthy.
“McCarthy’s a winner. Vikings O-line sucks and [Jordan] Addison was out for both of his starts. Also, he’s a leader. It’s not about him. It’s about the team,” the fan wrote. As a Packers fan, I WISH they had Sanders instead. Cam should stick to not wanting to recover fumbles.”
McCarthy’s a winner. Vikings O-line sucks and Addison was out for both of his starts. Also, he’s a leader. It’s not about him. It’s about the team. As a Packers fan, I WISH they had Sanders instead. Cam should stick to not wanting to recover fumbles.
— Charlie Roosevelt (@gridiron_chuck) October 3, 2025
Many fans came after Newton with personal attacks, from his attire to his reputation for espousing controversial opinions in the media landscape.
Same dude who was surprised the Falcons called Kirk and not him😂,” one fan replied.
“No common sense. No fashion sense. Total nonsense,” a second fan added.
Many fans voiced their defense of McCarthy, who had a much more illustrious college career than Sanders.
McCarthy isn’t alone in his slight from Newton. The former Carolina Panthers star has taken issue with quarterbacks who benefit from the system around them, specifically defending Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts.
lol glad Vikings fans getting a taste of this clown. Buddy hating on hurts now JJ,” an Eagles fan said.
Many fans came to McCarthy’s defense, noting how early it is in either quarterback’s career to make the call of who is better at the next level.
“Sure JJ won a national championship and lost 2 games total at Michigan but did he secure a .500 career record and a loss in the McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese bowl? Didn’t think so,” one X user wrote, referring to Sanders playing in a bowl game over the College Football Playoff.
“JJ catching strays. He can have his opinion. Only time will tell. I don’t see the need to constantly rank these young QBs and put them down. Nobody knows what either can be until they develop/play significant time. JJ only started 2yrs in college; far from a finished product,” another fan added.
McCarthy is still a largely unknown commodity in the NFL with just eight quarters of action to his name — and until a better picture of his ability can come to light, he will be subjected to these attacks.
“Can JJ get [expletive] healthy and prove these clowns wrong. This is ridiculous. What does Shedeur have over JJ? Less athletic, less arm, less pro-style fit, less ability to throw with anticipation etc,” a fan wrote.
When Will JJ McCarthy Return to Be Vikings Starting QB?
After a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, McCarthy has been dealing with a high ankle sprain that has forced him to miss the next two games. Carson Wentz hasn’t fared much better, going 1-1 in his two starts, behind a patchwork offensive line that is currently missing three starters.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has maintained that he will not play McCarthy until he is 100% recovered and can practice a full week before a game. The timeline seemed to be between two to four weeks, which would see McCarthy play in a Week 6 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at the latest.
However, The Athletic’s Diana Russini reported that the Vikings medical team said it could be up to six weeks — putting that Week 6 return coming out of the bye into limbo.
The Vikings have a short week of preparation the following week, facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 7.
Whether O’Connell would be willing to bring McCarthy back on a short week of prep remains to be seen and is of concern.
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