Watch: Justin Jefferson reacts to J.J. McCarthy TD pass

Justin Jefferson. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Mic'd up Justin Jefferson reacts to perfect J.J. McCarthy touchdown pass

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Aug 10, 2024 7:09 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings are hopeful that first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy develops chemistry with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson to help lead their offense in future seasons. On Saturday, the Vikings got their first look at McCarthy on an NFL field and, after a rocky beginning (including an interception), he bounced back nicely and threw a picture-perfect 45-yard touchdown pass to Trishton Jackson.

That pass happened while Jefferson was mic'd up on the Vikings broadcast and offering some play-by-play analysis, giving everyone a real-time look into his reaction to McCarthy's pass.

He was very excited.

Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy with the TD pass, and Vikings superstar WR Justin Jefferson with the commentary. ️pic.twitter.com/OYLn7Gn3cy
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 10, 2024

The Vikings are hoping that excitement carries over to the regular season. McCarthy ended up finishing his preseason debut by completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. After his 45-yard touchdown to Jackson, he followed that up with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Trent Sherfield Sr.

The Vikings selected McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in the hopes he can step in as their new franchise quarterback to replace Kirk Cousins. Cousins left the Vikings to sign with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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