J.J. McCarthy Urged To 'Grow Up' After Immature Interview

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 28, 2026 2:30 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is making headlines this offseason for the wrong reasons.

The Vikings were hopeful that McCarthy would show signs of being a franchise quarterback in 2025. Instead, he completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His struggles led to the Vikings signing Kyler Murray in free agency.

With OTAs underway, McCarthy was asked about his relationship with Murray. Let's just say he doesn't sound too thrilled this week.

“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us.”

McCarthy was then asked if there's an awkward dynamic in the locker room right now.

“Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school and there’s another person on the other side of the room,” McCarthy replied. “That’s just kind of how it is. I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images© Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images&period;

Those remarks from McCarthy didn't sit well with former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert. He believes it's time for McCarthy to "grow up."

"That JJ McCarthy interview was BRUTAL," Benkert wrote on social media. "Not the type of guy that will lead an NFL team & locker room the way he is. He needs to grow up."

Benkert wasn't the only person alarmed by McCarthy's comments this week.

"Man, never thought I’d find myself rooting for Kyler Murray," one fan commented.

"He has been THE guy for so long at the best team in HS and College but he needs to accept the backup role in the NFL because that really is his talent level and I don't think he's going to develop beyond that. Better become the team first guy if you want to keep getting paid," another fan replied.

#Vikings QBs Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy on their relationship with one another so far

Not exactly the same answer... pic.twitter.com/USHh3q0G3u
— Adam Patrick (@adampatrickNFL) May 27, 2026

Who'll be the Week 1 starter for Minnesota?

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell was asked in March if he's got an early lean for the starting quarterback battle. Though it's not really a huge surprise, he was unwilling to give the public any juicy information.

“Unless I’m confused in any way, shape or form, I don’t believe we have to name one of those currently,” O’Connell said.

Barring an injury, most fans and analysts expect Murray to win the starting job. To be fair, the former No. 1 pick had 20,460 passing yards, 3,193 rushing yards and 153 total touchdowns during his time in the Arizona Cardinals.

The Vikings will begin their regular season on Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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