In some respects, the pairing of JJ McCarthy and Kevin O’Connell recalls the quiet development of quarterbacks who thrived under patient coaching. Think of Tom Brady, who spent his formative years under Bill Belichick’s meticulous eye, or Patrick Mahomes, whose relationship with Andy Reid built slowly before yielding a Super Bowl-caliber connection. Neither situation was rushed; instead, both were marked by careful nurturing of skills beyond physical gifts and understanding of the game. McCarthy’s growth in Minnesota, though still in its early stages, is already following a similar trajectory: not driven by immediate validation, but by an underlying respect for the process that truly shapes long-term success.
The signal of that bond came months before McCarthy ever put on a Vikings helmet.
In late February 2024, during a formal interview at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, McCarthy shook hands with O’Connell and said, “I just want to say, I’d run through a brick wall for you.” The moment, captured on camera by Vikings staff, wasn’t posted until May, when the team released an 18-minute behind-the-scenes video documenting their draft process. The line hit because it didn’t sound rehearsed. It sounded like recognition.
In a post-draft interview, McCarthy offered context: “I’ve only said that to two coaches in my entire life, people that I have the utmost respect for and honor for,” he said. “He [O’Connell] definitely fits that mold. I’ve won championships with both of those guys previously, so hopefully we can add onto the third one.”
The reel, captioned “We would run through a brick wall for KOach too, J.J.,” feels like more than just a feel-good moment. It’s a signal. A rookie quarterback has already found something rare: trust in his coach. And the Vikings know exactly what they’re doing by sharing it—they’re showing fans the chemistry they’ve been craving ever since Kirk Cousins left town. The reel didn’t just stir emotions inside the locker room—it lit up the fanbase too. One fan wrote, “We already love you JJ. Now let’s get to the Super Bowl!” while another chimed in, “Love this kid! Can’t wait for the season ahead!! ” McCarthy hasn’t thrown a pass in purple and gold yet, but it’s clear he’s already winning over hearts in Minnesota.
That impression wasn’t one-sided. Kevin O’Connell, speaking in the Vikings’ behind-the-scenes draft video, said McCarthy left an immediate imprint on the coaching staff: “He just gets it… You can tell he’s been coached well, he’s got that ‘it’ factor from a leadership standpoint.”
Adding to this narrative, JJ McCarthy recently shared in an interview on the “Up & Adams Show” that the Vikings haven’t officially named him the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. He expressed appreciation for this approach, stating, “They haven’t told me, and I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day.” This mindset reflects his commitment to earning his place and resonates with the dedication he showed during his time at Michigan. The relationship between JJ McCarthy and Kevin O’Connell didn’t start on draft night.
Is McCarthy the missing piece to spark a new era in Minnesota?
McCarthy’s bond with Kevin O’Connell is still in its early chapters, but the foundation being laid is hard to ignore. Word is, the Vikings had eyes on him for a while. Moreover, head coach Kevin O’Connell has confirmed that McCarthy is fully recovered from his knee injury and faces “no limitations” as the team begins its offseason program. This combination of humility, determination, and physical readiness positions McCarthy as a promising leader for the Vikings moving forward. Minnesota didn’t just draft a quarterback; they found someone who’s ready to buy into the system, the culture, and most importantly, the people
McCarthy’s mention of past coaches he’s “won championships with” adds some serious weight. At Michigan, he wasn’t just a highlight machine—he was a leader in a tight-knit, championship-winning locker room. That kind of experience doesn’t just teach football—it teaches respect, perseverance, and how to build something bigger than yourself. It’s clear he sees the potential for that kind of bond again in Minnesota.
It’s rare to see this kind of trust and admiration forming before a rookie even takes the field, and it speaks volumes about the kind of leader McCarthy aims to be. With his championship pedigree, coachable mindset, and now, a coach he’s ready to run through walls for—could this be the start of something special in Minnesota?
The post “I’d Run Through a Brick Wall for You”: JJ McCarthy’s Tribute to Kevin O’Connell Sealed His Fate With Vikings appeared first on EssentiallySports.