When J.J. McCarthy steps on the field in Week 1 for the Minnesota Vikings as they visit the Chicago Bears on “Monday Night Football,” he will be the youngest player lining up under (or behind) center. In doing so, he joins a noteworthy list.
McCarthy missed his rookie season with the Vikings after he suffered a torn meniscus. He remained engaged in the classroom, but missed valuable on-field reps.
That only underscores McCarthy’s age being a “stat to know,” per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
J.J. McCarthy’s Age Highlights Vikings’ Offseason Decisions
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before facing the Houston Texans.
“At 22 years old, McCarthy is expected to be the youngest quarterback to start in Week 1 this season,” Sefiert wrote on September 1. “Assuming he starts, McCarthy will be the fourth quarterback over the past 20 seasons to make his first career start on “Monday Night Football” in Week 1 ([Sam] Darnold with the Jets in 2018, Aaron Rodgers with the Packers in 2008, Philip Rivers with the Chargers in 2006).”
Darnold spent the 2024 season and made his first Pro Bowl with the Vikings. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. The Vikings entertained the idea of adding Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers) as a replacement, but opted to let McCarthy as QB1 virtually unopposed.
Seifert noted in a post on X that McCarthy’s age will come up frequently between now and even during the Vikings’ season opener.
J.J. McCarthy Set Up for Early Success With Vikings
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before a game against the New England Patriots.
McCarthy is set up for success in his first season as QB1 for the Vikings, complete with a strong coaching staff helmed by Kevin O’Connell, an aggressive defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and a roster that features multiple Pro Bowlers.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the star. His affinity for McCarthy, his locker room neighbor, is well-documented.
Their connection is critical for the Vikings.
Those sentiments also come from tight end T.J. Hockenson.
“J.J. is a lot like Staff [Matthew Stafford] and a little like Kirk [Cousins],” Hockenson said, per the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer, in comments published on August 31. “Just depends on the routes and what we’re doing. ‘I want you here at this time, but on the same hand I want you to get open. I’m going to trust you.’”
McCarthy worked out with Hockenson and returning Vikings wideout Adam Thielen, who also offered glowing praise of the youngster, this offseason.
“He’s got all the things it takes to be a successful player in this league,” Thielen told KSTP Sports in July. “How I’ve gotten to year 13, he’s already got it. He’s got consistency, he’s got that mindset, he’s got all the skills to be able to play at a high level.”
The Vikings need McCarthy to deliver on the encouraging faith placed in him.
J.J. McCarthy Lands on ‘Intriguing’ Watchlist
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after facing the New England Patriots.
McCarthy will be under the microscope in what will be his rookie season on the field with the Vikings.
He landed the No. 23 spot on The Athletic’s “25 most intriguing players” list.
“The Vikings viewed McCarthy (their first-round pick in 2024) as the answer at QB, but then a preseason knee injury forced him out of the entire season,” The Athletic’s Mike Jones wrote on August 31. “Their confidence in the Michigan product, however, hasn’t waned. Rather than extend Darnold, the Vikings are putting all of their trust in the now-healthy, yet unproven, McCarthy. Can he position the Vikings to challenge Detroit and Green Bay for NFC North supremacy? Or, will Minnesota take steps backward because of his growing pains?”
The Vikings have 2016 No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz. He is on his fifth team in the last five seasons. They also have 2025 undrafted rookie free agent Max Brosmer on the roster. That all further underscores how pivotal McCarthy is to the Vikings’ success in 2025.
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