While soaking up the sun in Mexico at an NFLPA golf tournament, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy took some time to chat with Kay Adams on the “Up & Adams” show.

During their conversation, Adams posed a key question to McCarthy: When exactly did the Vikings let him know he’d be the team’s leading quarterback? McCarthy’s response was nothing short of impressive: “They haven’t told me [and] I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day.

I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance, and I’m just going to make the most of it every single day.”

For the Vikings, having McCarthy as their QB doesn’t feel like a gamble, it feels like a fresh start. Sure, it’s natural for folks to have some reservations about McCarthy stepping into the starting role next season.

After all, he’s fresh off a significant knee injury, hasn’t thrown in a regular season NFL game, and he’s only 22. But the insights McCarthy shared on the show highlight a mentality that’s rare for rookies in the league today.

He’s not taking anything for granted, which should have the Vikings and their fans buzzing with excitement.

It’s not just talent that McCarthy brings to the table—it’s his eagerness to learn and adapt that could set him apart. This Minnesota squad isn’t asking McCarthy to perform Herculean feats; they just need him to fuel the high-powered offense they already have.

With playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones surrounding him, McCarthy’s path to success is well-lit.

All he needs to do is put the ball in the hands of these explosive athletes.

Under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell, McCarthy is positioned to make history with the Vikings. If he can leverage his skills and mindset effectively, we might just be witness to one of the most remarkable debut seasons by a quarterback in Minnesota’s storied franchise history.