Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson Praises J.J. McCarthy’s Insane Arm and Competitive Switch
Sarah Johnson
June 25, 2025
Brief
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson raves about quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s insane arm talent and competitive drive ahead of training camp.
The Minnesota Vikings are buzzing with excitement as their first-round pick, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, steps into the spotlight after missing last season due to a torn meniscus. Now, with training camp on the horizon, the young signal-caller is already turning heads among his teammates.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm when speaking about McCarthy at the fifth annual Tight End University summit. "That's my dog," Hockenson declared, praising McCarthy’s hunger to learn and improve. He highlighted the quarterback’s dedication, noting that McCarthy is willing to put in the hard work required to excel in the NFL. Hockenson is eager to support him every step of the way, both on and off the field.
Despite being a year removed from competitive play, McCarthy’s potential is undeniable. Hockenson emphasized a key trait: "He’s got that switch." Off the field, McCarthy is approachable and easygoing, but once he steps onto the turf, a fierce determination takes over. This perfectionist mindset, according to Hockenson, is exactly what a quarterback needs in this league. And then there’s the arm—Hockenson called McCarthy’s talent "insane," countering earlier critiques from college evaluations. He described how the ball zips with precision, a thrilling sight during OTAs, and he can’t wait to see more in camp and throughout the season.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ organization have shown unwavering faith in McCarthy as their future, opting not to bring in a veteran competitor or draft another quarterback. Last season, O’Connell worked wonders with Sam Darnold, guiding him to a career-best performance. The hope now is that McCarthy can follow a similar path under the same guidance.
As the Vikings gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on McCarthy to see if he can translate this early hype into on-field success. If Hockenson’s words are any indication, Minnesota might just have a game-changer on their hands.
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Editor's Comments
Well, folks, if J.J. McCarthy’s arm is as ‘insane’ as Hockenson claims, we might need to start calling him the ‘Minnesota Missile.’ Let’s just hope that switch he flips on the field doesn’t accidentally launch the ball into the stands—or worse, into a lake. Beyond the hype, though, it’s intriguing to see if McCarthy can handle the pressure of being the anointed one in a Vikings squad desperate for a steady hand at QB. Will he be the next big thing, or just another name on the long list of ‘what could’ve been’? I’m betting on the former, but I’ve got my popcorn ready either way.
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