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J.J. McCarthy's Mom Has Emotional Response to Vikings Roster Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Trevor Squire | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 11:32 AM ET

The Minnesota Vikings ushered in the J.J. McCarthy era by fortifying the offensive front tasked with protecting the 22-year-old quarterback.

Minnesota agreed to terms on a two-year, $18 million deal with Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler. The Vikings are also finalizing a massive five-year, $88 million deal with Colts right guard Will Fries.

It was a needed improvement to the team's offensive interior line that was exploited in a season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Sam Darnold took a playoff record nine sacks as Minnesota's offense was rendered obsolete in the 27-9 loss in the NFC Wild Card round.

Once news of Kelly's signing broke, a graphic from The 33rd Team noted that he has only allowed 10 quarterback hits in his eight-year career circulated on social media.

It happened to find McCarthy's mother, Megan -- and it's safe to say she's thrilled with the signing.

Megan posted the graphic on her Instagram story with the teary-eyed emoji.

Safe to say J.J. McCarthy's mom is happy with the signing of new #Vikings center Ryan Kelly.

She posted this on her IG story with theemoji.

(h/t @vikingzfanpage) pic.twitter.com/dIvoCy81Fm
— Trevor Squire (@trevordsquire) March 12, 2025

How quarterback hits are assigned is a subjective statistic. Some sources cite different numbers for Kelly, but it's unanimous that he is an upgrade over Vikings center Garrett Bradbury, who is considering a potential trade candidate after Minnesota's moves in free agency.

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Bradbury has surrendered 34 quarterback hits, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). He has a career 50.5 pass-blocking grade, which pales in comparison to Kelly's 71.9 grade.

The improvements to the offensive line come after head coach Kevin O'Connell made a directive that the unit must be improved next season.

“There can be a thousand excuses made, but, for me, it’s the foundation of the interior of the pocket that we’re going to have to take a long look at," O'Connell said after the Rams loss, per The Minnesota Star Tribune.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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