Skip to main content
Michigan
Join Now

Wolverines in the NFL: J.J. McCarthy — 'Nine' — puts on a show in primetime, playing at 'winning level'

clayton-sayfieby: Clayton Sayfie12/16/25CSayf23

Former Michigan Wolverines football quarterback J.J. McCarthy has experienced it all in his first season as a professional starter, after missing the 2024 campaign with a knee injury that required multiple surgeries.

The 6-foot-3, 219-pounder has been down with two separate injuries this year, a high-ankle sprain and concussion, but has started the last two games and led the Minnesota Vikings — whose playoff hopes have been dashed, with the team being eliminated — to back-to-back victories, over the Washington Commanders (31-0) and Dallas Cowboys (34-26).

In the victory over the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, McCarthy completed 15 of his 24 passes for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception, rushing 4 times for 15 yards and a score that came on a fourth-and-goal where he faked out the entire defense and Griddy’d into the end zone.

“I did it in practice, and I was told not to do it,” McCarthy said. “So, just me being who I am, it’s like, ‘Oh, now I’m more enticed to do it.’ But if it’s that open, obviously just get in the end zone no matter what — and be coachable and do what my coach says. So yeah, I’ll definitely get a minus [grade] for that.”

McCarthy has flipped his mindset in recent weeks. Instead of focusing too much on, and overthinking, his footwork and fundamentals, he’s taking a one-play-at-a-time mentality and letting it ip.

“And even when we don’t hit them all,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “he’s making some really high-level throws, and I thought that was on full display.

“I was really, really proud of the way he threw the football. As a whole, he played at a winning, winning level, and he now has for the last eight quarters. And pair that with guys doing some good things around him, and we’re starting to function a little bit on offense.”

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in week 15:

AJ Barner (2023), TE, Seattle Seahawks

Made 3 grabs for 27 yards in an 18-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts … Hauled in 43 catches for 413 yards and 4 touchdowns while opening all 14 games for the 11-3 Seahawks.

Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Missed this weekend’s game with injury … Started 11 games for the 7-7 Buccaneers but went down with a knee injury in week 14 and was placed on injured reserve.

Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Cleveland Browns

Made 2 tackles in a 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears … Tallied 93 tackles — the most in his career since his rookie season in 2019 — 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB, Seattle Seahawks

The former Michigan and UCLA running back carried 8 times for 31 yards with an 8-yard long in an 18-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts … Amassed 514 yards (second on team) and 8 touchdowns on 140 carries, adding 11 catches for 87 yards in 13 outings.

Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans

Made 3 catches for 85 yards and 2 scores with a 57-yard touchdown in a 40-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals … Leads the 9-5 Texans with 1,001 receiving yards and 6 touchdown catches with 64 total grabs … Third-straight season with 1,000-plus yards, one of three Texans of all time to accomplish that feat (Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins) … Appeared in and started 13 contests.

Blake Corum (2020-23), RB, Los Angeles Rams

Racked up 71 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in a 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions to clinch a playoff berth … Rushed 112 times for 621 yards and 5 touchdowns while coming off the bench in 14 outings for the 11-3 Rams.

Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

The former Michigan and CMU defender made 1 tackle in a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers … Competed in 12 games with 11 starts for the 6-8 Chiefs, racking up 17 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup and an interception.

Rashan Gary (2016-18), DL, Green Bay Packers

Recorded 3 tackles in a 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos … Notched 44 tackles, 7 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in 14 games with 13 starts … Hasn’t recorded a sack since having 2 in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Oct. 26.

Graham Glasgow (2012-15), OL, Detroit Lions

Started at center in a 41-34 loss to the Los Angeles Rams … Missed some time with injury but has started 13 clashes at center for the 8-6 Lions, registering a 57.4 overall PFF rating.

Brandon Graham (2006-09), DE, Philadelphia Eagles

Posted 2 sacks and a tackle for loss in a 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders Totaled 3 tackles in six games after coming out of retirement.

Mason Graham (2022-24), DT, Cleveland Browns

Registered 3 tackles in a 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears … Tallied 37 tackles, 6 TFL, a half-sack and 4 pass breakups while starting all 14 games for the 3-11 Browns … Leads all rookie defensive tackles and is third among first-year players with 31 pressures.

Kenneth Grant (2022-24), DT, Miami Dolphins

The former Michigan defensive tackle made a pair of tackles in a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday night … Posted 25 tackles, with 2 behind the line of scrimmage, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup in 14 games with three starts for the 6-8 Dolphins.

Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Logged 13 special teams snaps in a 16-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs … Missed nearly two months with injury before returning Dec. 8 … Appearing in nine contests, he’s rushed 12 times for 30 yards, caught 4 passes for 13 yards and returned 8 kicks for 197 yards.

Dax Hill (2019-21), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Started in a 24-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens … Recorded 79 tackles, 2 TFL, 7 pass breakups and 1 interceptions while opening all 14 games for the 4-10 Bengals.

James Hudson III (2017-18), OT, New York Giants

Seen action in eight outings with two starts but hasn’t made an appearance since Nov. 9.

Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DL, Detroit Lions

Had an interception on a screen pass returned 58 yards that led to a touchdown on the ensuing possession and added 3 tackles and 1 sack in a 41-34 loss to the Los Angeles Rams … Recorded 9.5 sacks, 9 TFL, 39 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception and a league-leading 85 pressures in 14 starts.

Kris Jenkins (2020-23), DT, Cincinnati Bengals

The former Michigan national champion made 3 tackles in a 24-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens … Played in 14 games with four starts, registering 36 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 1 pass breakup.

Will Johnson (2022-24), CB, Arizona Cardinals

Broke up a pass and had an interception in a 40-20 loss to the Houston Texans … Tallied 30 tackles, 2 TFL, 8 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble in nine clashes with seven starts for the 3-11 Cardinals.

Trevor Keegan (2019-23), OG, Dallas Cowboys

Seen action in two games this season, not since Oct. 12.

Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Tallied 2 tackles in a 48-20 win over the New York Jets … Recorded 35 tackles, 5 TFL, 9 pass breakups and 2 interceptions with a fumble recovery in 11 games with seven starts for the 10-4 Jaguars.

Colston Loveland (2022-24), TE, Chicago Bears

Caught 4 passes for 63 yards on 5 targets in a 31-3 win over the Cleveladn Browns … Reeled in 39 receptions for 498 yards and 4 touchdowns on 54 targets in 13 outings with nine starts for the 10-4 Bears.

J.J. McCarthy (2021-23), QB, Minnesota Vikings

Completed 15 of his 24 pass attempts for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception and rushed 4 times for 15 yards and a score in a 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football … Posting a 4-4 record in eight games, he’s completed 56.8 percent of his passes (117-of-206) for 1,342 yards and 11 touchdowns with 11 interceptions … Added 33 rushes for 154 yards and 3 scores.

Braiden McGregor (2020-23), EDGE, New York Jets

Hasn’t played since Nov. 23 … Tallied 11 tackles, 1 TFL and a pass breakup in nine outings for the 3-11 Jets.

Joshua Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings

Accumulated 7 tackles ina 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys … Starting all 14 contests for the 6-8 Vikings, making 86 tackles, 1 TFL, a half-sack, 6 pass breakups and 2 interceptions.

Joe Milton III (2018-20), QB, Dallas Cowboys

Appeared in two games but not since Oct. 26.

Jake Moody (2018-22), K, Washington Commanders

Drilled all 3 of his field goal attempts in a 29-21 win over the New York Giants, including 2 of 40-plus … Made all 5 of his field goal attempts in three games with the Washington Commanders, after being picked up from the Bears, where he went 8-of-9 in two contests.

Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks

Played 2 defensive snaps and 26 special teams plays in an 18-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts … Recorded 15 tackles, 1 TFL and a pass breakup in 14 appearances.

Kalel Mullings (2020-24), RB, Tennessee Titans

Spent much of the season on injured reserve but returned in late November … Rushed once for 3 yards — with that carry coming in this past weekend’s 37-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, picking up a first down on third-and-1 — and has seen time on special teams.

David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens

The former Michigan defender had 2 tackles in a 24-0 win over the Cincinnati Bengals … Tallied 13 tackles and a half-sack in 11 games for the 7-7 Ravens.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

Didn’t play in the win over the Indianapolis Colts … Started at center four-straight games while regular starter Jalen Sundell was injured … Played in eight games on the year.

Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots

His Patriots lost 35-31 to the Buffalo Bills … Started at right guard in every outing for the 11-3 Patriots, recording a 75.5 overall PFF rating, the highest of the team’s offensive linemen.

Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts

The former Michigan defensive end made a tackle in an 18-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks … Compiled 35 tackles, 5 TFL, 4 sacks and a pass breakup in 14 games with 13 starts for the 8-6 Colts … Just 1 sack over the last eight games.

Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, Pittsburgh Steelers

Played 16 special teams snaps in a 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins … Tallied 15 tackles and a fumble recovery in 11 games with two starts for the 8-6 Steelers.

Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints

Started in a 20-17 win over the Carolina Panthers … Generated a 54.9 overall PFF rating as the starting right guard for the 4-10 Saints in 13 games.

Jon Runyan (2016-19), OG, New York Giants

Opened a 29-21 loss to the Washington Commanders … Started at left guard in all 14 contests for the 2-12 Giants, recording a 53.3 overall PFF grade.

Mike Sainristil (2019-23), CB, Washington Commanders

The former Michigan standout had 3 tackles and an interception that he returned 55 yards while adding a pass breakup in a 29-21 win over the New York Giants … Appeared in 14 tilts with 11 starts for the 4-10 Commanders … Accumulated 69 tackles, 9 pass breakups and 4 interceptions.

Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys

Made a reception for 29 yards in a 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings … Hauled in 11 catches for 105 yards on 20 targets in 14 games with seven starts.

Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, New York Jets

Hasn’t played since Nov. 13 and has only seen time in two contests since being traded from the Dallas Cowboys.

Benjamin St-Juste (2017-18), CB, Los Angeles Chargers

The former Michigan and Minnesota cornerback tallied 3 tackles in a 16-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs … Made 27 tackles, 5 pass breakups and a pick in 14 games with two starts for the 10-4 Chargers.

Josaiah Stewart (2023-24), OLB, Los Angeles Rams

The former Michigan pass rusher had 2 tackles in a 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions … Recorded 20 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks and 2 pass breakups in 14 games off the bench.

DJ Turner II (2019-22), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Picked up 2 tackles in a 24-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens … Registered 36 tackles, 2 TFL, a league-leading 17 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions in 14 appearances with 13 starts.

Joshua Uche (2016-19), OLB, Philadelphia Eagles

Notched 18 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack and a pass breakup in 11 outings for the 9-5 Eagles …. Hasn’t played since Nov. 23.

Ben VanSumeren (2018-20), FB, Philadelphia Eagles

Suffered season-ending injury week one.

William Wagner (2019-24), LS, Cincinnati Bengals

Snapped in all 14 games.

Josh Wallace (2023), CB, Los Angeles Rams

Tied his season high with 3 tackles in a 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions … Posted 14 tackles and 2 pass breakups in 14 contests.

Roman Wilson (2020-23), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Healthy scratch the last two games, with no appearances since Nov. 30 … Caught 12 passes for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 contests with four starts

Chris Wormley (2012-16), DT, Indianapolis Colts

The former Michigan defensive lineman logged 13 defensive snaps and 4 special teams plays in a 18-16 setback to the Seattle Seahawks … Picked up by the Colts late in the season and has played in the last three games, making 5 tackles, 1 TFL and a sack.

Zak Zinter (2020-23), OG, Cleveland Browns

Competed in two tilts this season, most recently in a 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans Dec. 7.