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JJ McCarthy Is Getting Called Out For “Quitting” On The Vikings

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

JJ McCarthy looks on during a Vikings game.
JJ McCarthy. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

JJ McCarthy was supposed to start Friday in Denver. He did not. Minnesota listed an ankle from last week’s Ravens game. Kevin O’Connell wanted a half. McCarthy told the staff he did not feel right.

Fans did not buy the timing. He had already lost the job to Kyler Murray. Carson Wentz was circling the backup chair. Sitting the finale looked like a tap-out, not rest.

Why Fans Say JJ McCarthy Quit on Minnesota

JJ McCarthy throwing a football
JJ McCarthy (jjmccarthy/Instagram)

O’Connell spelled out the plan after a 34-6 loss.

“We hoped to get him turned over,” he said. “The goal was to have him start the game tonight and try to get him a half if we could. … We just couldn’t get him there.”

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported McCarthy told officials he was not comfortable enough to play. The ankle is mild. The coach called him day to day with no long-term concern. That did not slow the pile-on.

“This wasn’t just J.J. McCarthy missing a preseason game. This felt like him officially checking out of Minnesota. … I’m not buying it. If McCarthy truly wanted to play, he would have played,” one said.

“If a guy quits on one team he will quit on another. Look at Watson. … If McCarthy wants to have a career in the NFL he can’t be a quitter especially at QB,” a third said.

“When another team that could be interested in McCarthy ask ‘why did quit on your last team’ what gonna be his response,” someone wrote.

“why do you guys just refuse to connect the dots. mccarthy tried to be on the field every single second last season… now he’s not comfortable enough to play in a preseason game?” someone asked.

The tape had already turned on him. A preseason overthrow went viral as one of his worst throws. A former-coach trade idea was already circulating before Friday. Sitting the last dress rehearsal poured gas on both.

McCarthy finished the preseason 9 of 17 for 115 yards, no touchdowns, two sacks. Wentz went 18 of 25 for 173 and a score.

What Comes Next for JJ McCarthy in Minnesota

JJ McCarthy.
JJ McCarthy. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Mike Florio floated the roster math before kickoff.

“With Max Brosmer also on the roster, McCarthy could be in danger of not being on the roster by Sunday, when the rosters reduce to 53,” he wrote.

“The Vikings undoubtedly would try to trade him, since the balance of his 2026 pay ($1.075 million) and all of his 2027 compensation ($3.775 million) are fully guaranteed.”

Ian Rapoport said he had not heard a deal or a trade request. O’Connell would not lock the depth chart.

“We’re going to work through that as a staff and see where he’s at from a health standpoint first and foremost.”

The résumé is thin for a No. 10 pick. He missed all of 2024 with a torn meniscus. In 2025 he threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 picks in 10 games. Ankle, concussion, and a hairline thumb fracture kept cutting the year short. Minnesota signed Murray anyway.

Two weeks ago McCarthy still said,

“This is the place I want to be. I love every single person in this building. I love this state.”

Friday he stayed in street clothes. The fan base heard an exit, not an ankle.

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