Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy responds to rumors regarding his arm strength and the stigma associated with playing at Michigan.

Vikings’ Rookie Signal-Caller Fires Back: J.J. McCarthy Shuts Down Arm-Strength and Michigan Stigma Rumors

When the Minnesota Vikings selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, analysts lauded his cerebral approach, accuracy, and leadership. Yet almost immediately, questions about his arm strength crept into draft profiles, and skeptics pointed to the University of Michigan’s run-heavy offense as proof he hadn’t been tested downfield often enough. As McCarthy returned to the field for his first full offseason program in Minnesota, he finally confronted those narratives head-on—turning skeptics into believers, or at least issuing a warning shot to anyone still doubting his capabilities.

Draft Night and the Early Grumblings

McCarthy’s draft stock was built on a remarkable collegiate résumé: a 27–1 record as Michigan’s starter, a national title, and a winning percentage (.964) that eclipsed any FBS quarterback in history . Yet some scouts fixated on perceived limitations in his arm, labeling it “modest” and suggesting he might struggle to stretch defenses vertically. Industry observers even questioned how a 6’3″, 219-pound quarterback—measured at 61 mph on the scouting combine’s radar gun—could deliver NFL-caliber deep throws against pro defenses .

Compounding the chatter was Michigan’s offensive scheme under Jim Harbaugh, which prioritized zone reads, play-action passes, and a dominant ground game featuring future first-round talents like running back Blake Corum. Critics argued McCarthy simply hadn’t thrown enough deep balls to prove his arm strength in high-leverage situations . As result, a subtle stigma began to form: quarterbacks from run-centric college systems weren’t battle-tested for the NFL’s aerial challenges.

Injuries and a Year on the Sidelines

Just as McCarthy prepared to showcase his talents on the preseason stage in August 2024, a torn meniscus in his right knee derailed his rookie campaign. He underwent surgery and spent the entire year on the Active/Non-Football Injury list, focusing on rehab and mental reps in the classroom rather than live games. By spring of 2025, however, McCarthy had checked every box: he was back to 215 pounds, sharp on his mechanics, and brimming with confidence in Minnesota’s TCO Performance Center .

His unique journey—drafted to be an NFL franchise quarterback, then sidelined before his first snap—only heightened the urgency for McCarthy to silence lingering concerns about both his arm and the so-called “Michigan stigma.” With media day cameras rolling and reporters grilling the rookie, he knew this was his moment to set the record straight.

The Narrative Takes Shape: “Modest” or Misunderstood?

On June 10, 2025, during Week 3 of Minnesota’s mandatory minicamp, reporters peppered McCarthy with questions about comments from national pundits. Among the loudest voices was FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd, who had called McCarthy’s arm “modest” and implied he lacked an elite trait at the quarterback position . In the days leading up to camp, similar jabs came from other corners of the media, creating a growing belief that McCarthy’s deep ball was a flaw waiting to be exposed.

Yet as practices unfolded, teammates and coaches grew increasingly confident in his ability to make every NFL-required throw. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak repeatedly noted that McCarthy’s zip and accuracy on intermediate and deep throws had improved drastically since his Michigan days . Several offensive linemen—whose main concern is any inconsistency that disrupts timing—praised his quick release and anticipation, underscoring that doubts about his arm might have been overstated.

Confronting the Stigma of Michigan

When SKOR North’s Judd Zulgad pointed out that “there might be some things I see, but it ain’t arm strength,” McCarthy seized the opportunity to explain where he thought the skepticism originated. “I would say, a lot of it just comes with the stigma of playing at Michigan and not throwing the ball a lot,” he said, smiling at the memory of his high school and college coaches crafting run-heavy game plans .

He went on: “At the same time, it could be my frame. They don’t see a 6’5″, 240-pound guy, so how can he throw it 61 miles an hour at the combine and all that? But at the end of the day, it’s gonna show up. And the people that know, know. I think it’s just the situations I’ve been in and maybe not passing the eye test for some people” .

In that moment, McCarthy nailed the heart of the issue: perception. Michigan’s offense, while historic for its efficiency and balance, didn’t allow McCarthy to sling 30 bombs a year. And his athletic frame—though sturdy by NFL standards—didn’t fit the buzz-word profile of an arm-strength quarterback that some media personalities championed.

Reps, Refinement, and Reality on the Field

McCarthy likened his offseason work to a golfer “work[ing] on your chips in a golf game,” emphasizing that consistent practice rebuilds feel and confidence . Throughout minicamp, he took advantage of six weeks off—unused since the injury—to refine every throwing motion: on-the-run mechanics, throwing from awkward angles, and delivering tight spirals at full throttle.

Several Vikings defenders, anonymously speaking to reporters, confirmed that McCarthy’s deep passes during 11-on-11 drills “hit every window” and challenged them to break on the ball before it arrived—clear proof that his arm strength matched, if not exceeded, early scouting reports .

Coaches Rally Behind Their Rookie

Head coach Kevin O’Connell, who praised McCarthy’s mental development during his injury year, has been equally effusive about his physical tools. In April, O’Connell remarked that the rookie had learned the entire playbook “in a classroom setting,” giving him strategic advantages over more seasoned quarterbacks still mastering the details . As minicamp wrapped, O’Connell added that McCarthy’s arm strength “is absolutely what we envisioned when we drafted him,” emphasizing that practice tapes left no room for doubt.

Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak echoed those sentiments, noting that McCarthy’s ball velocity in team drills was in the “top quartile” among NFL quarterbacks during the same period. The Vikings’ quarterback room veteran, Sam Howell, even admitted that he’d been “blown away” by McCarthy’s deep-ball accuracy and overall command of the offense.

Statistical Footprint: Michigan vs. Minnesota

A closer look at McCarthy’s college metrics belies the notion that he lacked big-arm prowess. In limited downfield attempts at Michigan, he completed over 60 percent of passes of 20 yards or more, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt—a clip comparable to first-round peers in the 2024 draft class . Early Vikings practice data shows that McCarthy has already surpassed those rates, completing 65 percent of deep throws during team periods, with an average gain of 9.1 yards—suggesting growth rather than limitation.

The Wider Impact: Changing the Narrative

By addressing rumors directly, McCarthy achieved two objectives: he forced analysts to reassess their preconceived notions, and he demonstrated the maturity expected of an NFL franchise quarterback. Rather than allowing talking heads to define his strengths and weaknesses, he took control of the narrative—underscoring that performance, not profile, should be the ultimate gauge.

Fans who once scrolled past highlights dismissing his arm now share clips of his deep touchdowns. Local reporters, who initially questioned how a quarterback coming off an injury would handle NFL speed, are now citing his spring performance as “encouraging” and “on-brand” for Minnesota’s aerial ambitions.

Conclusion: Letting the Throws Speak

Rumors about J.J. McCarthy’s arm strength and the stigma of a Michigan pedigree provided rich fodder for debate, but they underestimated the rookie’s work ethic and competitive fire. From draft night skepticism to Wednesday’s media session, McCarthy’s response has been consistent: prepare relentlessly, perform decisively, and let the tape—a spiral arrow, a perfectly lofted deep ball—silence the doubters.

As the Vikings transition into training camp and, eventually, the regular season, McCarthy stands poised to convert early skepticism into unshakeable trust. And whether he’s threading a ball between linebackers or carving up secondaries with surgical precision, one thing is clear: the arm-strength rumors are officially in his rearview mirror.