J.J. McCarthy was widely expected to be among the top quarterbacks drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft after a CFP National Championship-winning season with the Michigan Wolverines.
The Minnesota Vikings selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus. Now, he is fully healthy and ready to lead the team in the 2025 NFL season.
J.J. McCarthy’s Journey To Michigan
Born in La Grange Park, Ill., McCarthy attended Nazareth Academy for high school before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., in 2020 as a senior once Nazareth’s football season got shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his lone season at IMG, McCarthy led them to an 8-0 record and a consensus high school football national championship.
As a five-star recruit, McCarthy’s winning pedigree followed him to the Michigan Wolverines despite growing up as a lifelong Ohio State fan. McCarthy famously said that Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day “lied to his face” by recruiting Kyle McCord, so McCarthy decided to enroll with the rival Wolverines.
But behind every rising athletic talent is a strong support staff, so let’s get to meet McCarthy’s parents.
A Look at McCarthy’s Parents
McCarthy was born on Jan. 20, 2003, to Jim and Megan McCarthy. They’ve raised three children together, and both have had their own athletic careers.
Getting To Know McCarthy’s Father Jim
Jim McCarthy, J.J.’s father, has some history with the game of football in his own right. He was a running back at Riverside Brookfield High School in Illinois. He went on to play football and baseball at North Park College.
Jim’s passion for the gridiron extended into his adult life, spending time as a youth football coach. Jim also spent time as the director of Lyons Football Club, an organization that provides an opportunity for children from Brookfield and Riverside to play football and participate in cheerleading.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Jim is also a leader of fundraisers for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for Children with Cancer in La Grange.
Getting To Know McCarthy’s Mother, Megan
Megan McCarthy, J.J.’s mother, has her own athletic achievements as an accomplished figure skater. According to the Chicago Tribune, Megan tried to pass on her abilities by putting J.J. in skates at a young age.
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J.J. was a very skilled hockey player growing up and it is said to be his first love, but he decided to quit and focus on football once scholarships started coming in. He has said that quitting hockey was one of the hardest decisions of his life.
The McCarthys are Chicago Blackhawks fans, and both Megan and Jim believe that hockey is the most beneficial sport for children to play growing up.
Does McCarthy Have Any Siblings?
J.J. is one of three siblings raised by Jim and Megan.
His sisters are named Morgan and Caitlin, but there’s not too much public information about them.
Vikings vs. Falcons Week 2 SNF Preview
The Vikings will host the Falcons in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football. Minnesota started the season 1-0 after a thrilling comeback win against the Chicago Bears where their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy emerged as a star.
The Falcons came close to defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 but unfortunately lost 23-20 after their kicker, Younghoe Koo, missed a game-tying attempt.
Penix has looked great so far, but going against Brian Flores’ defense will be a tough challenge for him. However, he has players like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts to make things easier for him.
As for the Vikings, they’ll need consistency from McCarthy, who threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns on his NFL debut.
Thanks for the article. Jim McCarthy played at North Park, not Lake Park. He was a North Park Viking. Good luck to J.J. as Minnesota Viking.