With OTAs getting underway across the NFL, there is one quarterback battle that many are paying close attention to in one of the tightest divisions in the league.
Following a poor season for former first-round pick JJ McCarthy, the Vikings brought in an established starting quarterback and former first overall pick, Kyler Murray, to compete for the starting role.
However, it is clear that many in and around the Vikings organization believe McCarthy has plenty more to offer as a starting quarterback in the NFL, including this legendary Vikings receiver.
Former Vikings WR Adam Thielen Praises the Mentality of J.J McCarthy Amid QB Battle
Adam Thielen, who spent 10 seasons in Minnesota and is widely regarded as one of the best receivers in the franchise’s history, recently went on “Good Morning Football” to speak about McCarthy and the quarterback’s need to have a bounce-back season in his third year to continue being a starting quarterback in this league.
Thielen, who played in 11 games with the Vikings last year, said he believes the quarterback is taking all the necessary steps to improve his game while bringing the right mindset to the table.
Former #Vikings WR Adam Thielen on JJ McCarthy:
“Was there some things he needs to work on, yes, absolutely, he knows that. I think he’s gone to the drawing board this offseason, taken feedback from coach, and coach was very candid with him of this is what you need to improve… pic.twitter.com/9rZjmskXj8
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) June 8, 2026
“He’s got all the traits to be an exceptional quarterback in this league,” Thielen said. “He has the skills, right, he has the strong arm, the mindset right, that not a lot of guys have, he has the dawg mentality that everyone wants to find.”
It is clear that the former NFL receiver, who spent 12 years in the league and has seen plenty of young quarterbacks come and go, believes in McCarthy because of his mentality and willingness to learn and improve.
Thielen went on to praise McCarthy’s genuine love for football before saying he knows the quarterback is open to learning everything he can from head coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff in order to improve and win the starting job in 2026.
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“Was there some things he needs to work on, yes, absolutely, he knows that,” Thielen added. “I think he’s gone to the drawing board this offseason, I thinlk he’s taken feedback from coach, and coach was very candid with him of this is what you need to improve on.”
While Murray’s addition ensures the Vikings’ quarterback competition will remain one of the league’s most closely watched storylines heading into training camp, Thielen’s comments offer a glimpse into why so many within the organization continue to believe in McCarthy’s long-term potential.
After missing his rookie season due to an injury, McCarthy played just 10 games last season. He threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while completing 57.6% of his throws. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 64.3, ranking 37th in the league.
Physical tools can get a quarterback drafted, but mentality often determines whether they succeed and push through adversity. It is clear Thielen believes the 23-year-old quarterback possesses the work ethic and commitment to improve needed to overcome adversity.
Now, with a starting job on the line and heightened expectations entering his second season, McCarthy has an opportunity to prove that the confidence being placed in him is justified.
