A New Era Begins

With his first on-field practice as the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, the J.J. McCarthy era begins. Yesterday was the first day. Today is in front of the media. So, it really begins today. It’s an exciting time. Due to the inability of the Vikings to find or maintain a franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired following the 1978, a dark cloud has hovered over the franchise. First-round picks, high-priced free agents, late-round hopes, and journeymen. For nearly fifty years, a variety of paths have been taken to find the team’s next franchise quarterback. So many attempts. So many failures. So many things gone wrong. For his winning pedigree to his sparkling natural talent, few have brought the hope that J.J. McCarthy brings. A new era begins. 

While he might be the biggest reason, it’s not just J.J. McCarthy that has the hopes of Vikings fans peaked. It’s the roster and the coaching staff that surrounds him. So often, the quarterback has to carry a team. The Vikings young quarterback just has to become a part of his team. Despite his age, it’s something that he has shown an uncanny ability to do. There are a lot of reasons to be excited about J.J. McCarthy. For me, it’s his intangibles. 

A few of the reasons to be excited about the 2025 Minnesota Vikings:

Kevin O’Connell

Brian Flores

J.J. McCarthy

Christian Darrisaw-Donovan Jackson-Ryan Kelly-Will Fries-Brian O’Neill

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jonathan Allen

Javon Hargrave

Harrison Smith is back!

Jonathan Greenard-Andrew Van Ginkel-Dallas Turner

Ivan Pace Jr.

Byron Murphy Jr. 

Theo Jackson finally gets his shot. 

Blake Cashman

Isaiah Rodgers

Aaron Jones

A healthy T.J. Hockenson

Joshua Metellus

If the injury-ravaged 2023 season is tossed, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has shown what he can do with a suspect roster. As a rookie head coach in 2022, he navigated a roster filled with holes to 13 wins. In 2024, he coached a bit better roster that was quarterbacked by draft bust Sam Darnold to 14 wins. In their three years in Minnesota, O’Connell and his offensive coaches have shown a remarkable ability to get the best out of nearly any quarterback. J.J. McCarthy has the cleanest slate and the most potential of any of those quarterbacks. This is by far the most talented Vikings roster in years. The reasons for excitement are many.