Why Vikings players are 'all behind' J.J. McCarthy being QB1

While he hasn't been named the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback yet, all signs indicate J.J. McCarthy will be 'the guy' in 2025. 

McCarthy told the media on Tuesday that he knows he's "ready to start" this season, and his teammates believe he's ready to be QB1 as well.

"Man, we're all behind him," outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard said, per Vikings team reporter Lindsey Young. "We're all standing 10 toes with J. He's definitely a likable guy, and you want to see a guy like him succeed. So it makes it easier for us to root him on."

McCarthy was selected No. 10 overall by the Vikings last season but suffered a season ending knee injury in the preseason he has since recovered from. Offensive tackle Brian O'Neill said McCarthy looks healthy and is "gonna be the guy". O'Neill says McCarthy's energy is "infectious."

"You can tell he wants it really bad. He does all the right things," O'Neill said.

Vikings safety Josh Metellus said that McCarthy has an energy about him when he walks into the building that's special. 

"To have poise the way he does, I think it goes a long way, especially for a team — especially for the leader of a team," Metellus said. 

Although McCarthy is the clear favorite to be the Vikings' starter, the team added talent at the position via a draft day trade with the Seattle Seahawks for Sam Howell, who's started 18 games in his career. McCarthy told Kay Adams last month that the Vikes haven't named him the starter yet.    

"I never want that to be given to me. It's such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance, and I'm just going to make the most of it every single day," McCarthy said in March.