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Vikings Legendary QB Sends Strong J.J. McCarthy Message

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 3:14 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings seem comfortable heading into the 2025 NFL season with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy as their starter.

Earlier in the offseason, the Vikings were considered to be in the running for Aaron Rodgers. However, they have opted to move forward without signing the future Hall of Famer.

McCarthy was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by Minnesota and was clearly taken to be the long-term future under center. At this point, with Sam Darnold leaving town in free agency, the Vikings seem ready to begin the future.

No one knows what to expect from McCarthy in 2025. He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.

In his final year with the Michigan Wolverines in college, he completed 72.3% of his pass attempts for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions, while also picking up 202 yards and three scores on the ground.

A legendary Minnesota quarterback has now spoken out about the 22-year-old McCarthy and has sent a strong message with his thoughts on the young quarterback.

Daunte Culpepper spoke out, as shared by Phil Mackey of SKOR North, and showered the young quarterback with praise.

"He's very sharp and I like that about him, I think he's a phenomenal player," Culpepper said. "I have all the confidence in the world in McCarthy."

"Culpepper said this about JJ McCarthy, 'He's very sharp and I like that about him, I think he's a phenomenal player... I have all the confidence in the world in McCarthy'"

- @PhilMackey on Daunte Culpepper praising JJ McCarthy

(h/t @TheVikingAge) pic.twitter.com/4EQ1Zf774U
— SKOR North - Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) April 22, 2025

That is major praise for a Vikings' quarterback. McCarthy has received the full blessing of one of the best at his position in franchise history.

Minnesota is taking a big gamble on its young quarterback. It will be interesting to see if McCarthy can rise up to the hype and belief from the franchise.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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