Former Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has yet to play a snap in a regular-season game, as an injury ended his rookie season before it began. But that hasn't stopped a Minnesota Vikings legend from singing his praises.
Tommy Kramer played for the Vikings from 1977 to 1989 and was voted one of the franchise's top 50 players when it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010. Although he never brought home a championship, he was a consistent producer and had a strong 1986 campaign during which he led the league in passer rating (92.6), played in the Pro Bowl, landed a spot on the All-Pro Second Team and was named a Co-Comeback Player of the Year.
Kramer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday to extend praise to McCarthy, who recently drew criticism from Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd and The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
"Two things you can’t teach, instinct and the will to win. This kid has them both, he’s the real deal," Kramer wrote in the post. "Viking fans, good reason to be excited for the season and years to come."
McCarthy missed the entirety of last year after tearing the meniscus in his right knee. After undergoing season-ending surgery, he earned the dubious distinction of being the first quarterback selected in the first round of an NFL Draft to be ruled out for his debut campaign.
One year later, McCarthy has been given the keys to the Vikings' offense as the starting quarterback. It won't be easy for him to replicate the success of Sam Darnold, who led the team to a 14-3 record last year before joining the Seattle Seahawks in March, but the positive vibes radiating from Kramer's comments will surely bring feelings of optimism to Minnesota.