Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has made headlines by revealing why he passed on signing four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who recently joined the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the New York Jets in March 2025. Despite reports that the 41-year-old quarterback saw Minnesota as his preferred destination, O’Connell chose to prioritize the team’s future by naming 22-year-old JJ McCarthy as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
In a candid interview on Minneapolis radio station KFAN-FM 100.3, O’Connell explained his decision, emphasizing his commitment to building around McCarthy. “When there was an opportunity, when [Rodgers] and I connected this offseason just to kind of talk about what that would look like, we had a lot of great dialogue about it,” O’Connell said. “But it always was centered around what was best not only for the present in the Minnesota Vikings organization, but the future.”
O’Connell, who has known Rodgers for nearly two decades and considers him a close friend, was transparent about his reasoning. “I was very honest about my feelings towards JJ, my obligation that I felt like we were going to give him the best possible situation to begin and thrive on this NFL journey and let’s see where it goes,” he stated. The coach made it clear that his focus is on nurturing McCarthy, who was drafted by the Vikings with the 10th overall pick in 2024, to lead the franchise moving forward.
Despite passing on Rodgers, O’Connell maintained that their friendship remains strong. “Out of respect for our friendship and everything, that’s about as much as really kind of happened,” he noted. “I still talk to him, and the next time I talk to him, it’s going to be the same old, same old. He’s different than people probably think, but I think that’s all part of it in this day and age.”
The decision comes after a successful 2024 season for the Vikings, who posted an impressive 14-3 record with Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback. Darnold, a 2024 Pro Bowl selection, recently signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving a void that McCarthy is now set to fill.
O’Connell expressed confidence in McCarthy’s development, praising the young quarterback’s progress during the offseason. “He’s having a great spring,” O’Connell said. “We’re pretty darn close to having a good feel for where he’s at. He’s had a great offseason. He’s healthy, strong, throwing the ball great, fundamentals — everything you hope for in the spring.”
By choosing McCarthy over a proven veteran like Rodgers, O’Connell is making a bold statement about the Vikings’ long-term vision. While Rodgers continues his illustrious career with the Steelers, Minnesota is banking on McCarthy to become the cornerstone of their franchise, signaling a new era for the team.