USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings tight end compares JJ McCarthy's arm strength to Super Bowl winning QB

Originally posted on Michigan Wolverines on SI
By Jerred Johnson | Last updated May 7, 2025 10:35 AM ET

Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson started his career with the Detroit Lions catching passes from Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford. The former Lions QB has been known for having a big arm since his days slinging the ball at Georgia. There have been legendary stories about the velocity of his throws and his receivers and other offensive skill players have described the pain of catching passes from him over and over.

After four seasons with the Lions, Hockenson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. He is now slated to make his living catching passes from former Michigan Wolverine quarterback JJ McCarthy. McCarthy is now QB1 for the Vikings after sitting out all of last season with a knee injury. Hockenson spoke about the arm strength that McCarthy has exhibited and made some favorable comparisons between JJ and Stafford.

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Scouts and teammates alike are high on McCarthy and have huge expectations for the second year NFL quarterback. He will be surrounded by weapons in Minnesota like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones. McCarthy really just needs to protect the ball and integrate himself back into the rhythm of football. If he can play smart and make the throws that are given to him, the Vikings should be a force within the NFC again next year.

This article first appeared on Michigan Wolverines on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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