In the build-up to this past April’s NFL draft, no prospect’s stock sky-rocketed faster than Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s.
Arguably the most polarizing player in the entire draft, opinions varied greatly on the national champion – but several teams reportedly fell in love with him and were hoping to snag him.
At the end of the day, the Minnesota Vikings traded up to draft him with the 10th overall pick.
Some felt that was a significant reach by Minnesota, but head coach Kevin O’Connell and company weren’t about to listen to the doubters.
Interestingly, the exact moment O’Connell and the Vikings found themselves completely sold on McCarthy was captured on camera.
In a pre-draft meeting, McCarthy met with O’Connell and company where he was bombarded with rapid-fire questions and scenarios to test his awareness and football-IQ.
At the conclusion of the meeting, McCarthy expressed his dedication with a heartfelt promise to O’Connell.
“I just want to say I’d run through a brick wall for you,” McCarthy declared while shaking O’Connell’s hand. “Anyone in purple and gold. Promise you that.”
McCarthy has his share of critics. Some are just downright haters, however.
After all, there’s absolutely nothing not to love about his body of work. Not only has he succeeded at the highest level everywhere he’s been, but he’s proven to be an ultimate leader.
Some might find him a little corny at times – but the fact of the matter is he’s been nothing but genuine every step of the way and his teammates and coaches all love him. That counts for a whole lot.
Someone else who loves McCarthy is his fiancée and longtime partner, Katya Kuropas.
The pair have been together for years and McCarthy has often credited her with helping him develop into both the person and player he is today.
They may not yet realize it, but Katya has become a secret weapon of sorts for the Vikings.
That’s because she helps McCarthy study his playbook each and every night as part of the couple’s evening routine.
If that’s not true love, I don’t know what is…
While Sam Darnold is expected to be the starter for the Vikings once Week 1 rolls around, there’s no doubt that McCarthy is looked at as the quarterback of the future.
There will undoubtedly be bumps in the road for McCarthy, but his strongest trait is said to be his off-the-charts work-ethic. (Just ask Jim Harbaugh.)
In other words, Minnesota fans can rest assured that McCarthy will be putting 110% effort into becoming the best quarterback he can possibly be.
Fortunately, his loving fiancée will be right by his side to help him – at least at night.
McCarthy is in the process of getting acclaimed to his new city.
He was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Minnesota Twins game against the Tamp Bay Rays on Tuesday.
Unfortunately for Twins fans, it doesn’t seem like McCarthy has a future as a two-sport athlete.
What are your thoughts on McCarthy?
Do you think he has what it takes to become a true franchise quarterback in the NFL?
Or are you in the camp who believes he has “bust” written all over him???
As long as Katya continues to help him master the playbook, it’s hard to imagine him not succeeding in the league…