J.J. McCarthy set for Vikings debut, facing childhood team Bears after Michigan success

J.J. McCarthy has spent much of his football life reshaping rivalries. On Sunday, he’ll get the chance to do it again.

The former Michigan quarterback, who helped lead the Wolverines to a national championship and never lost to Ohio State, will make his first career start for the Minnesota Vikings. The matchup adds another wrinkle to his story: McCarthy grew up a Chicago Bears fan, and his first start will come in one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries — against the Bears.

It’s a full-circle moment for McCarthy, whose college path was marked by a similar twist of fate. A highly touted prospect out of Illinois, McCarthy originally grew up rooting for Ohio State. But after Ryan Day and the Buckeyes staff lied to McCarthy and turned down his commitment, McCarthy landed at Michigan. He went on to become the Wolverines’ program-changing quarterback, compiling a perfect record against Ohio State and delivering the school’s first national title since 1997.

The NFL chapter began with little speculation that his hometown Bears might draft him with the No. 1 overall pick, although his Michigan head coach and former Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh made the case. Chicago selected Caleb Williams, leaving McCarthy to slide until Minnesota secured him as their quarterback of the future. Bears GM Ryan Poles says they seriously considered McCarthy, to what extent is unknown, but the decision may have provided him with yet another chip on his shoulder.

McCarthy’s competitive fire and comfort on big stages were defining traits at Michigan. Now, those same qualities will be tested in his first pro start. The Vikings see him as the centerpiece of their long-term plan, and there may be no better introduction than stepping onto the field against the team he grew up watching.

Much like his turn from Ohio State hopeful to Michigan champion, McCarthy now finds himself wearing purple and gold against the blue and orange of his childhood. For him, the rivalries have changed. The chip remains the same.