Say what you will about Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but whatever he lacks in NFL experience, he makes up for with moxie and competitive fire.
The Detroit Lions have been the kings of the NFC North in recent years. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to injury and was out for an extended period with a bum ankle this season. However, he roared back into the lineup to stun the Lions in a 27-24 Week 9 victory.
Let's just say McCarthy isn't shying away from the Vikings' rivalry with their divisional adversary. He's coming for the king, MCDC himself, Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy takes a shot at Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell with legendary 'kneecap' line
Perhaps no head coach made a stronger first impression in his introductory presser than Dan Campbell in recent years, with his Football Guy "bite-a-kneecap" soliloquy that would fire up William Shakespeare.
After accounting for three total touchdowns in his first start since Week 2, J.J. McCarthy called back to Campbell's immortal words to troll the Lions' decorated, beloved coach.
This caption has an added layer to it, considering McCarthy's torn meniscus injury from last season had to do with his knee.
It feels like many have tried to transcribe McCarthy's NFL obituary far too early. He was a stud at the University of Michigan, leading his team to the national title. At 22 years young, McCarthy has only three NFL starts under his belt. Already, he's shown flashes of being a franchise QB.
Between an exotic defense coordinated by Brian Flores and an elite play-calling head coach in Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota has all the resources in place to cultivate McCarthy's development and help him continue to improve in his first real season of action.
In addition to his obvious belief in himself, it's probably easy for McCarthy to be confident thanks to how well the Vikings have set him up to succeed. Sure, he's inviting criticism by taking a shot at Campbell here, yet McCarthy is accustomed to the glaring spotlight and championship expectations from his college days. He welcomes all of it, which is a rare quality.
Perhaps McCarthy's remark toward Campbell will come back to haunt Minnesota when the Vikings host the Lions on Christmas Day in Week 17. However, I have a feeling McCarthy will be a far more capable QB by then, and won't mind Detroit coming after him with a little something extra.
McCarthy is a savage competitor who plays with an edge. It's so fun to watch, and it'll be thrilling to see how McCarthy progresses the rest of the 2025 campaign after leading the Vikings to a 2-0 start in the division.