J.J. McCarthy takes high road after fan calls Vikings rookie 'most fraudulent QB to win a Natty' in girlfriend's comments
J.J. McCarthy turned in an epic final season as the starting quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines last year. He helped lead the team to an undefeated season on their way to winning the college football national championship. This likely played a major role in why the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite his massive success, apparently some fans have been discrediting McCarthy's impact for Michigan. In a recent Instagram post by his girlfriend Katya Kuropas, a random fan commented with an insult for the Vikings rookie. He took aim at his college football career.
The fan wrote:
"Most fraudulent QB to win a Natty."
J.J. McCarthy didn't seem bothered by the shot. He took the high road and brushed it off with a sarcastic response to the fan:
"Thanks man!"
The general premise for the insult is the idea that many fans believe that McCarthy didn't have to do much to win a championship with the Wolverines. The program was much more known for their elite defense and dominant rushing attack, both trademarks of head coach Jim Harbaugh's approach to the game.
While McCarthy wasn't asked to air it out as much as many of the other top quarterback prospects, he was extremely efficient in his role. He completed 72.3% of his passes with 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions in his final season. He also contributed to their ground game, adding 202 rushing yards and another three touchdowns.
Regardless of what fans may think, J.J. McCarthy was obviously impressive enough for the Vikings to draft him in the first round. He is also projected to be their starter this year, where he will enter an ideal situation to potentially succeed.
J.J. McCarthy is set up for success with the Vikings
A case can be made that of all of the rookie quarterbacks expected to get an opportunity at being a starter in the 2024 NFL season, J.J. McCarthy could be in the most ideal situation. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has a reputation for working well with his quarterbacks and the Minnesota Vikings' offense is loaded with talented weapons.
Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson headline the group as they are two of the best overall players in the NFL at their respective positions. They also feature breakout star Jordan Addison from last season and signed veteran running back Aaron Jones during the offseason. If McCarthy is going to succeed in the NFL, he appears to be in the right spot to do so.