In a major blow to the Minnesota Vikings, the much-anticipated debut of quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been delayed until 2025 due to a season-ending knee injury. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the unfortunate news on Wednesday, revealing that McCarthy’s recent surgery on his torn right meniscus was successful but revealed damage severe enough to necessitate a full repair, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season.

“It was a successful procedure, but it did reveal that a repair was necessary which will end J.J.’s 2024 season,” O’Connell explained to reporters. The setback comes at a tough time for McCarthy, who was drafted 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Last month, the young quarterback faced backlash from rival Chicago Bears fans after claims that he posted—then deleted—a pro-Trump video on his Instagram story. The alleged post came right after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Despite the criticism, McCarthy reposted a video by former NFL player Robert Griffin III, calling for prayers for Trump. The move showed McCarthy’s support for the former president, aligning him with a significant portion of the NFL fanbase.

BREAKING: #Vikings QB JJ McCarthy deletes Pro-Trump Instagram story after receiving backlash from #Bears fans.

Shortly after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump McCarthy reposted a video on his IG story of Trump putting up his fist saying “FIGHT.”#Bears fans… pic.twitter.com/evXc45nfca

— NFC North News (@NFCNorthNewss) July 14, 2024

“Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati,” McCarthy wrote on X on Tuesday.

Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati

— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) August 13, 2024

McCarthy’s success peaked in 2023 when he was named Big Ten Quarterback of the Year, leading Michigan to a 15-0 season and their first national title since 1997. Over three seasons, McCarthy guided the Wolverines to three Big Ten championships and three playoff appearances, achieving an impressive career record of 27-1 as a starter—the highest winning percentage in NCAA Division I FBS history.

As the Vikings prepare for a season without their headline new starter, the team and its fans must regroup and realign their expectations.

REACTIONS:

JJ McCarthy will undergo meniscus repair surgery and miss the entire 2024 season

I’m bummed aht for JJ McCarthy #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/OykkIXUUqN

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 14, 2024

ESPN Sources: Vikings rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is expected to be undergo knee surgery that will determine how much time he will be sidelined. McCarthy complained about knee soreness over the weekend, and underwent an MRI on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/EdqV8JSoNc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2024

Telling my kids this was the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/JQqTNCEhVA

— JJ McCarthy Fan (@JJOneOfOne) August 14, 2024

What could have been for The Vikings….Impressive is putting it lightly.

JJ McCarthy Full All 22 QB Breakdown #Skol pic.twitter.com/On5RFz545k

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 13, 2024

Me seeing JJ tore his meniscus pic.twitter.com/bTVuxhycr6

— JJ McCarthy Fan (@JJOneOfOne) August 14, 2024

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