The Minnesota Vikings quarterback room is already generating drama, and it's only May. J.J. McCarthy, the team's struggling second-year passer, is catching heat after a recent interview that rubbed many the wrong way.
McCarthy, who completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2025, saw the Vikings bring in Kyler Murray this offseason. When asked about his relationship with the former No. 1 pick, McCarthy didn't exactly embrace the competition.
“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
He doubled down when pressed about any awkwardness in the locker room. “Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school and there’s another person on the other side of the room. That’s just kind of how it is. I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”
Those remarks didn't sit well with former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert, who took to social media to voice his frustration. “That JJ McCarthy interview was BRUTAL,” Benkert wrote. “Not the type of guy that will lead an NFL team & locker room the way he is. He needs to grow up.”
The criticism didn't stop there. Fans were quick to pile on, with one commenting, “Man, never thought I’d find myself rooting for Kyler Murray.” Another added, “He has been THE guy for so long at the best team in HS and College but he needs to accept the backup role in the NFL because that really is his talent level.”
The contrast in the two quarterbacks' answers was stark. While McCarthy played down the dynamic, Murray's response was more professional, as seen in a recent clip that went viral. The divergent QB room answers have only intensified the scrutiny on McCarthy.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has kept his cards close to the vest, refusing to name a starter when asked in March. “Unless I’m confused in any way, shape or form, I don’t believe we have to name one of those currently,” O'Connell said.
Still, most analysts expect Murray to win the job. The veteran has 20,460 passing yards, 3,193 rushing yards and 153 total touchdowns from his time with the Arizona Cardinals. McCarthy, meanwhile, needs to prove he can handle the pressure—both on the field and in the interview room.
The Vikings open their regular season on Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers. Whether McCarthy will be under center or watching from the sideline remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he's got some growing up to do.
