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JJ McCarthy’s arm strength? Critics won’t believe what the data REALLY shows

Posted on June 13, 2025 - 11:12 am by

As the Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their final day of 2025 mandatory minicamp on Thursday, the spotlight shone brightly on rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy. With one more voluntary OTA session scheduled for June 16-18 before the team breaks for a month ahead of training camp in late July, McCarthy took center stage at the podium alongside head coach Kevin O’Connell and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The buzz around the 22-year-old redshirt rookie has been overwhelmingly positive this offseason, especially after he confirmed on Tuesday that the Vikings’ medical staff fully cleared him for all football activities, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.

McCarthy Silences Health Concerns

Not long ago, Vikings fans were gripped with worry about McCarthy’s readiness for training camp. Late in the 2024 season, the former Michigan star appeared on the sidelines looking noticeably thinner, sparking widespread concern on social media about his ability to regain weight and strength in time for offseason programs. However, McCarthy quickly put those fears to rest when he showed up at an NFL golf event earlier this spring looking healthy and robust. Since then, local reporters like Darren Wolfson of SKOR North have noted that no one around the team has had a single negative comment about McCarthy’s progress.

Wolfson, speaking on SKOR North, emphasized McCarthy’s leadership qualities: “I’ve not heard one bad thing about J.J. McCarthy. You think about him leading IMG Academy to a national championship in high school, helping Michigan win a national championship in college. The two, like it’s not a coincidence, put it that way. There is something about JJ McCarthy, however you want to define ‘It Factor’, JJ has it.”

National Critics Question McCarthy’s Arm Strength

While local sentiment around McCarthy has been glowing, some national media figures have painted a less flattering picture. On Wednesday’s episode of The Herd, FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd reignited his criticism of the Vikings’ franchise quarterback, claiming that “scouts he trusts” described McCarthy as having “zero special QB traits” and only “moderate arm talent.” Cowherd’s remarks, which echo earlier doubts about McCarthy’s ceiling, stand in stark contrast to the observations of those who have watched him up close during Minnesota’s offseason practices.

McCarthy Responds with Confidence—and Hard Data

When asked about the persistent narrative surrounding his supposedly “moderate” arm strength during Thursday’s press conference, McCarthy responded with a mix of humor and poise. Local reporter Judd Zulgad of SKOR North, who admitted he hadn’t noticed any arm strength issues in the five practices he’d observed, pressed McCarthy on where the misconception might have originated. McCarthy attributed the “stigma” to his time at Michigan, where the Wolverines’ run-heavy offensive scheme limited his passing volume, and to his smaller frame, which doesn’t fit the stereotypical mold of a 6’5”, 240-pound quarterback.

“I would say a lot of it comes with the stigma of playing at Michigan and not throwing the ball a lot,” McCarthy said. “At the same time, it could be my frame. They don’t see the 6’5”, 240 lb guy, so how can he throw [the football] 60 MPH at the combine? But at the end of the day, it’s going to show up, and the people that know, know.”

McCarthy’s casual mention of throwing 61 MPH at the 2024 NFL Combine was a subtle but devastating counterpunch to his critics. That velocity was the second-hardest recorded at the event, trailing only Joe Milton III’s 62 MPH throw, which tied Josh Allen’s record for the fastest ever at the Combine. By weaving this fact into his response so nonchalantly, McCarthy let the data speak for itself while underscoring his confidence in his abilities.

The “It Factor” That Sets McCarthy Apart

Beyond his physical talents, McCarthy’s authenticity and leadership have already won over teammates and coaches. His ability to connect with others, combined with his undeniable competitive drive, has drawn comparisons to players with the elusive “it factor” that separates good athletes from great leaders. Unlike some superstars who struggle to find their authentic voice, McCarthy exudes a natural charisma that resonates in the locker room. As Wolfson noted, his track record of leading teams to championships at both the high school and college levels is no accident.

In contrast to athletes like Karl-Anthony Towns, whose personality has at times felt elusive to fans, McCarthy shares a raw, unfiltered authenticity akin to Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. This genuine quality, which McCarthy displays effortlessly, is a critical asset for a young quarterback expected to lead an NFL franchise. Teammates respect him not just for his politeness or talent, but for being 100% himself—a trait that inspires loyalty and trust.

Looking Ahead to Training Camp

As the Vikings head into their summer break, McCarthy’s full medical clearance and strong offseason performance have set the stage for an exciting training camp. While national pundits like Cowherd may continue to question his potential, those closest to the team see a quarterback with the arm strength, leadership, and intangibles to make an immediate impact. McCarthy’s ability to shrug off criticism with a smile, backed by hard data like his 61 MPH Combine throw, only adds to his growing legend.