When the Minnesota Vikings drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they believed they found their next franchise quarterback. A meeting at the combine left a fantastic first impression.
When prospects go to the NFL Scouting Combine, they are subject to a lot of different experiences. They are put through the wringer, from on-field workouts to medical testing and interviews. The Vikings got some time with McCarthy and he left a major first impression on head coach Kevin O'Connell.
"Pretty good man. You remembered all that stuff," said O'Connell.
"I just want to say I'd run through a brick wall for you," said McCarthy.
"Let's go man!" replied O'Connell.
"Anyone in the purple and gold, I promise you that," McCarthy said.
These interviews go only 15 minutes, so it's really important for NFL teams to get all the information they can to and from the players in a quick and efficient manner. To leave that kind of impression off the bat in only 15 minutes says a lot about who McCarthy is as a player and person.
Right after that clip from the combine played, McCarthy mentioned that he had told just two other coaches that he would run through a brick wall for them. He won championships with both. Both sides are hoping McCarthy can make it three for three.