Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen took time to train with Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy, despite having left the team. However, many NFL analysts and experts doubt the young QB’s potential as he prepares for the upcoming season.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season, leading some to believe he’ll struggle to adjust to the professional level. In response, Thielen delivered a strong message before the Vikings’ debut.
McCarthy has strong support
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell named McCarthy the team’s starting quarterback. His confidence in the young player was so strong that he passed on the opportunity to sign Aaron Rodgers, despite the veteran’s vast NFL experience.
“[J.J. McCarthy’s] already got it. He’s got consistency. He’s got that mindset. He’s got all the skills to play at a high level.”
– Former Vikings WR Adam Thielen on J.J. McCarthyThielen has HIGH hopes for McCarthy!pic.twitter.com/SX1KLahqJ0
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 17, 2025
According to a report by Firstsportz, Adam Thielen fully believes in McCarthy’s ability after training with him throughout the offseason.
“JJ has everything it takes to be one of the league’s top players. Have we talked about how I made it to year 13? He already has it. He’s consistent. He has the mindset. He has all the tools to play at a high level. I’m really excited right now—this is our second summer training together—and to see him get this opportunity, because I see it: the mindset, all the things it takes to be a great quarterback in this league,” said the former UDFA wide receiver.
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Justin Jefferson also backs the young quarterback. According to Kevin Seifert’s report for ESPN, Jefferson said McCarthy has a strong arm, but there’s one area that still needs work: “just slowing down and putting a bit more touch on the ball.”. “I want him to have the same confidence in himself that I have in him to make the plays,” Jefferson said about McCarthy’s adaptation to the 2025–26 NFL season.
