Fans have high expectations from JJ McCarthy since the Minnesota Vikings drafted him as the 10th overall pick.

Justin Jefferson and JJ McCarthy (Via Imago)

Although there were debates on JJ McCarthy‘s draft predictions, one thing that no one could deny was his ability to win. The quarterback finished college with the highest winning record of 27-1 in the NCAA Division.

As he is coming off a National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines, fans are having high expectations from him from the time the Minnesota Vikings drafted him as the 10th overall pick. Additionally, after losing Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings are likely to put their faith in McCarthy as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

With such high expectations, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who recently became the highest-paid receiver in the league, offered a piece of advice to his young teammate, McCarthy. In an interview while attending the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Jefferson shared that the young QB should be calm and confident.

Minnesota is looking for him to be the next guy to bring us to the championship. So, I just try to really just tell him to be calm and just to be yourself. Be confident, and just don’t let the hype and all the expectations get to your head.

Justin Jefferson said

As much as the rookie might be excited about the upcoming season, he will also have to go through intense scrutiny over many of his decisions. But having a teammate such as Jefferson, who himself has been through that level of pressure, will be an additional support for McCarthy.

Justin Jefferson has confidence in rookie JJ McCarthy’s abilities

After getting a record-breaking deal, Jefferson intends to play with his full potential in the upcoming 2024 season. But he also knows that he is going to bond with rookie McCarthy beyond their on-field endeavors.

The three-time Pro Bowler believes the key for a promising player such as McCarthy to succeed in the league is self-confidence as it will give him the faith to handle situations where things aren’t going his way, despite the best of efforts.

JJ McCarthy (via IMAGO)
Jefferson claimed that the rookie knows the importance of having self-confidence and he carries it well. He also expressed high faith in McCarthy saying he is going to be a threat in the league.