Head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Minnesota Vikings are in line to begin another season with a new quarterback to help lead the squad.
After missing all of his first season in the NFL with a torn meniscus, quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been given the starting quarterback position in Minnesota. Last year's starter, Sam Darnold, signed with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason.
All eyes will be on the Michigan alum as he will have all the weapons necessary in order to succeed with an already proven Minnesota Vikings offense.
J.J. McCarthy named a Minnesota Vikings team captain
After finishing out the preseason, all eyes are set on the Vikings' season opener against a division rival, the Chicago Bears, on Sept. 8.
Heading into the regular season, quarterback J.J. McCarthy will join Justin Jefferson, Harrison Smith, Aaron Jones Sr., and Andrew DePaola in the list of Vikings team captains for the 2025 season, the team announced on X.
Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has announced the 2025 #Vikings team captains
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 28, 2025
QB J.J. McCarthy
WR Justin Jefferson
S Harrison Smith
RB Aaron Jones Sr.
LS Andrew DePaola
S Josh Metellus
OLB Jonathan Greenard
T Brian O'Neill pic.twitter.com/T6zylOALFc
Entering his first season in the league, McCarthy will be considered a rookie due to sitting out all of 2024. He suffered a torn meniscus that later required season-ending surgery in the Vikings' first preseason game of 2024.
After hearing that Minnesota would be without wide receiver Jordan Addison for the first three games of the season, the Vikings went out and traded for a familiar veteran to fill the void.
Minnesota agreed to a trade with the Carolina Panthers this week. The deal includes the Vikings receiving wide receiver Adam Thielen, a 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.