Over the weekend JJ McCarthy got into a scuffle with a rookie linebacker. He reveals how he is going to be there for his teammates when it happens at all times due to his hockey background.
Vikings' JJ McCarthy's hockey background reveals enforcer mindset Minnesota must embrace originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Minnesota Vikings are handing over the keys to J.J. McCarthy after a rookie season in which he missed the entire year. While some are high on McCarthy, others aren’t feeling the same hype that surrounded him coming out of college. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Vikings fans may be in for a letdown.
“Do I think J.J. McCarthy is wowing everyone at training camp? No, I don’t… [Vikings fans] are going to be disappointed,” Russini said on The Herd.
McCarthy is essentially entering what feels like his rookie year, with the upcoming season expected to be his first time taking the field in a regular-season game. For teammate Justin Jefferson, his focus is on helping build McCarthy’s confidence.
“As his teammate and as a captain of the team, just trying to make him dialed in every chance that I can," Jefferson said. "Our lockers are right next to each other, so every chance that I get to talk to him about football, about anything that goes on outside of football. Just try to get to know him as much as I can because when the season comes and whenever we're locked in, I want him to be just as confident as I am of him to make the plays out there."
Last Saturday, there was a heated moment between McCarthy and rookie linebacker Tyler Batty. Batty delivered an unblocked hit to running back Adam Jones in the hole, and McCarthy didn’t like it—so he stepped in. On Wednesday, McCarthy explained that it was his hockey background that took over, showing how committed he is to defending his teammates.
“Those are my brothers. And no matter who it is, especially 33 (Jones’ jersey number), I’m the first guy in the fight, no matter what. They know that. I know they would do the same thing for me,” McCarthy said. “Just as a QB and former hockey player — I used to be the enforcer out there, believe it or not — I love that stuff. Letting my teammates know I got their back, because I know they got mine.”
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Being a quarterback doesn’t typically scream enforcer, but that’s exactly why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. McCarthy’s teammates appreciate that kind of grit from their QB—someone willing to get involved in the dirty work. For the Vikings to find success this season, McCarthy will need to carry that hockey mentality onto the field consistently, not just when someone crosses a line.
Category: Football
