Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy played college football at Michigan, so he’s well aware of their rivalry with the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, he remains appreciative of the tough play style of the rival program, which came to field when Vikings guard and Ohio State alum Donovan Jackson delivered a standout play during a joint practice on Thursday.
During a joint practice play, Jackson made a sensational block to spring running back Aaron Jones free on a screen pass. The clip, posted by NFL writer Sean Borman, quickly made its rounds on social media. Vikings beat writer Will Ragatz shared the reaction of McCarthy on this play.
“I absolutely love it. Us Michigan guys, we get a little skeptical of the mentality and the tough guy-ness of Ohio State, but he absolutely proved it. It was a sight to see, and I just love how fired up he got after that, too. He’s gonna be a great player,” the quarterback said.
J.J. McCarthy on this Donovan Jackson play:
“I absolutely love it. Us Michigan guys, we get a little skeptical of the mentality and the tough guy-ness of Ohio State, but he absolutely proved it. It was a sight to see, and I just love how fired up he got after that, too. He’s… https://t.co/IDtt37ip5e
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 14, 2025
JJ McCarthy Impresses at Camp and Earns Respect from Veterans
After being selected tenth overall in the 2024 NFL draft, JJ McCarthy missed all of last season after tearing his meniscus in his right knee during practice. Now heading into his second year in the NFL, McCarthy is leaving no stones unturned while showing his magic on the field.
His preparedness and leadership quality seems to have won him over veterans on the team. Tight end T.J. Hockenson said:
“He doesn’t feel like a young guy. The way he controls the huddle, the way he comes in, his energy in the huddle, how he talks about the game, the level, and the mentality—it’s high-level thinking.”
McCarthy, who is the Vikings’ starting quarterback for the upcoming NFL season, was exceptional during joint practices with the New England Patriots. He completed 14 of 16 passes for five touchdowns. The Vikings quarterback completed 13 consecutive passes, including four red-zone TDs.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell called this performance a confidence booster for McCarthy.
“It felt decisive,” O’Connell said, “and it felt like there was an incredible amount of conviction to some of the decisions he made. … It was all things we’ve been working on, all things he’s talented at and capable of doing. But to do it in this setting should give him some confidence moving forward.”
It remains to be seen how McCarthy fares in his first official season in the NFL.
Read More: J.J. McCarthy’s College Stats: From QB Battle to National Champion
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