J.J. McCarthy’s Resilient NFL Debut: Rookie Rallies Vikings to Dramatic ‘Monday Night Football’ Comeback in Chicago

What’s a story of triumph without a little adversity?

On a balmy Monday night in Chicago, hometown rookie J.J. McCarthy faced the kind of adversity that would break most NFL newcomers. Instead, he transformed it into a defining moment—one that electrified his teammates, silenced doubters, and delivered a thrilling 27-24 comeback win for the Minnesota Vikings over the Bears.

A Rocky Start Under the Bright Lights

McCarthy’s NFL debut was anything but smooth. The youngest starting quarterback in Week 1 endured six three-and-outs in his first nine professional drives. His night began with back-to-back drives ending in sacks on third down. By the fifth series, two of his throws were disrupted before they even reached their targets. The low point came on his seventh possession: a pass intended for star receiver Justin Jefferson was picked off by Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright and returned for a touchdown.

For a moment, it seemed McCarthy’s debut in his hometown would be remembered for rookie mistakes and missed opportunities. But the 22-year-old, drafted 10th overall in 2024, had other plans.

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Turning Point: Leadership in the Huddle

After the pick-six, McCarthy gathered his teammates and delivered a message that would change the course of the game:
“Where else would you rather be?”

“I’ve never actually said that before,” McCarthy admitted after the game. “But I felt like it was the perfect time; guys were kind of just in their head a little bit. A smile goes a long way. So there were a lot of smiles after I said that, and just a little bit of a perspective shift: ‘Yeah, things weren’t going our way, but we’re here doing this together’—and the boys, they responded perfectly.”

His poise and authenticity became the rallying cry for the Vikings, who responded with renewed energy and focus.

Learning from Mistakes

The interception could have rattled any rookie, but McCarthy treated it as a lesson rather than a setback. He recalled a similar moment from his college days at Michigan, when he rebounded from an early pick-six against TCU in the College Football Playoff.

“You never want to earn wisdom that way,” he said, “but it just brought me straight back to [that game]. At the end of the day, yeah, it sucks. It’s one of the worst things you could do as a quarterback, but you can’t do anything about it. That’s one of those things I don’t really hang on. And I was really grateful for the way Coach McCown and Coach O’Connell handled it—everyone was on the same page: ‘All right, that happened. Next play.’”

The Comeback: Big Plays and Bigger Moments

McCarthy finished the game 13-for-20 passing for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and just one turnover—earning a 98.5 passer rating. He also rushed for a crucial first down and later delivered the dagger: a read-option touchdown run with 2:53 left that put Minnesota ahead 27-17.

“I was absolutely fired up,” McCarthy said of the touchdown run. “It was the perfect time to call it. The offensive line did a great job; T.J. [Hockenson] with that block on Jaquan [Brisker], and just finishing the job. That was one of my favorites, for sure.”

A key moment came late in the first half, when McCarthy connected with Jalen Nailor for a 28-yard completion with just 19 seconds left. The play, he said, “really got me into a groove.” On the very next snap, kicker Will Reichard drilled a career-long 59-yard field goal—another momentum boost for the Vikings.

Team Effort: Newcomers and Veterans Shine

Minnesota’s victory was a total team effort. Newcomer Javon Hargrave recorded two critical sacks, while linebacker Eric Wilson stepped up after an injury to Blake Cashman and made impact plays on defense and special teams. Running back Jordan Mason racked up 68 yards on 15 carries, including 53 yards in the decisive fourth quarter. Rookie Myles Price added 68 yards on four punt returns.

Vikings veterans did their part as well. Justin Jefferson hauled in one of McCarthy’s touchdown passes, and Aaron Jones, Sr. snagged the other. Tight end T.J. Hockenson not only made key catches but also threw the block that sprung McCarthy’s game-clinching touchdown run. Tackle Brian O’Neill anchored the line, giving the rookie time to work.

Teammates and Coaches Praise Their Young Leader

“I already knew what J.J. was about,” Jefferson said after the game. “It was just all about showing the world. We knew him, coming from Michigan, being a national champion, we knew he had that dog in him. Seeing his composure and seeing his grit and seeing him lead the team, even when we were down, it goes a long way.”

Coach Kevin O’Connell’s steady presence was also instrumental. “They showed a lot of things that we didn’t expect,” McCarthy said of the Bears. “The calm, cool, collected nature that [Coach O’Connell] had just gave me so much confidence to try to filter that into my teammates as much as possible. After that running touchdown and seeing how fired up he was, that was really special.”

O’Connell telling McCarthy he was going to will the team to a win “meant everything,” the rookie said.

A Triumphant Return After Injury

For McCarthy, the moment was even sweeter after missing most of his rookie year with a season-ending knee injury. “I think I’ll feel that on the plane ride home,” he reflected, noting that his last competitive football game had been 609 days earlier, when he won the national championship at Michigan. “It’s such a blessing to be an NFL football player and play in this league, and I’m grateful that we get to go out there next week and play the Falcons on Sunday night.”

J.J. McCarthy’s debut wasn’t perfect, but it was unforgettable—a testament to poise, persistence, and the power of believing in your team. If this is just the beginning, Minnesota fans have plenty to be excited about in 2025.