Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy maintains his belief that he can be a starting quarterback in the National Football League, even after losing the competition for the Minnesota Vikings' starting job to veteran Kyler Murray.
"Yes, I believe so," McCarthy told reporters Wednesday when asked about his potential as a QB1. "And I’m always gonna have that confidence in myself, no matter what. But at this time it’s doing whatever I can for the team, and, you know, being ready when my number’s called. And that’s all that matters, that’s all I can control."
Head coach Kevin O’Connell officially named Murray the starter on Tuesday. McCarthy, who missed the 2024 season following knee surgery, had a mixed first full year in 2025. The first-round draft pick from Michigan finished with a 6-4 record as a starter, throwing for 1,632 yards but also tallying 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He averaged 6.7 yards per passing attempt, ranking 25th among 33 quarterbacks, and struggled with downfield passing, according to Pro Football Focus, which graded him 33rd out of 43 quarterbacks in passing.
Minnesota signed Murray, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who has dealt with injuries, to a one-year contract this offseason after his release from the Arizona Cardinals.
McCarthy acknowledged his desire to start but expressed understanding of O’Connell's decision. "Obviously, every competitor wants to play," he said. "But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called."