The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback saga took a dramatic turn in 2024 when J.J. McCarthy, the highly touted rookie, suffered a torn meniscus in the preseason opener, sidelining him for his entire debut season. With Sam Darnold stepping in as the starter and now gone, the Vikings have officially handed the reins to McCarthy, marking the inevitable transition to their quarterback of the future. As the team dives into the heart of OTAs at TCO Performance Center, McCarthy has become the focal point of attention—and perhaps a touch of overhype—captivating fans and media alike with every throw.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell shared on Wednesday that the team is seeing “near 100 percent” participation in these voluntary OTAs, a testament to the buy-in surrounding McCarthy’s potential. Outside of a few exceptions—like guard Will Fries, who is recovering from a broken leg and won’t return until training camp—the roster is fully committed. This level of engagement reflects not only the excitement around McCarthy but also the absence of major contractual disputes or significant injury concerns, creating an ideal environment for the young quarterback to shine.
McCarthy’s Return: A Spark of Excitement
After Wednesday’s OTA session, McCarthy spoke about his return to the practice field following a year lost to injury. His enthusiasm was palpable: “It feels amazing. When you get it taken away from you, you take every chance you get to be back out here and really appreciate it, really take the most out of it. There’s just nothing better than being out here with the boys, playing some ball.” His words carry the weight of someone who’s had to watch from the sidelines, fueling his drive to make every moment count.
When asked how he feels physically compared to a year ago, McCarthy offered a grounded yet confident response: “I honestly feel bigger, faster, [and] stronger.” Avoiding the cliché of claiming to be in the “best shape of his life,” McCarthy’s straightforward assessment still added fuel to the growing hype. Concerns about his weight loss during rehab, noticeable when he was seen on the sidelines late last season, have dissipated. He appears to have regained his playing weight—and perhaps more—now that he’s back to a full training regimen.
The Hype Machine in Full Swing
McCarthy’s teammates and coaching staff have been vocal in amplifying the excitement around him, but with those three words—bigger, faster, stronger—he’s taken the baton himself. Each practice throw is dissected, every move celebrated, as fans and analysts project their hopes onto the young quarterback. The idea of McCarthy failing to secure the starting role before training camp seems far-fetched, effectively shutting down any lingering fantasies (or nightmares) of Aaron Rodgers donning a Vikings jersey.
The OTA buzz isn’t just about McCarthy’s arm talent or his recovery—it’s about the intangible belief he’s instilled in the team. The Vikings’ near-perfect attendance at voluntary workouts signals a collective confidence in their new leader. As McCarthy continues to build momentum, he’s not just meeting the lofty expectations set for him; he’s sparking a question among Vikings fans: were their dreams for this team big enough to begin with?