J.J. McCarthy shares perspective on first Vikings practice

One imagines that the very first practice for a rookie quarterback in the NFL would be daunting. After all, the quarterback is arguably the most high-profile position in professional sports, and there is little room for error in the NFL — even for rookies.

But it doesn't sound like new Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy experienced many nerves in his first session.

In fact, he feels a bit at home.

“It was simple because it didn’t feel like my first day,” McCarthy said (h/t On3) when asked how his first practices with the Vikings went. “I’ve been going over the offense for a long time now, so being able to go out there and actually be able to perform and execute it, that’s new. But, it was nothing that was overwhelming or too much.”

McCarthy was known as a cerebral quarterback who could make all the throws then-Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh asked of him while in college. He didn't have to test his arm much thanks to Michigan's power running style, but Harbaugh hailed him as the greatest Michigan quarterback of all time. 

And sure, "Captain Khaki" can be a bit hyperbolic at times, but the Vikings clearly felt there could be something special about McCarthy as well.

They traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to take him with the 10th overall pick.

“He’s trying to have the best possible day that he can today and then try to do the same thing tomorrow,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “This guy is a process-driven guy and understands that there’s a long road ahead of him.

“We’re just trying to make incremental gains that will be solidified as part of how he plays quarterback for a long time. So, I’ve been really impressed with him so far.”