When speaking to the Twin Cities media earlier this week, Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy seemed confident, motivated, and ready to lead. But that didn’t stop former NFL backup Chase Daniel from offering some eyebrow-raising criticism.
On The Athletic’s “Scoop City” podcast, Daniel claimed McCarthy’s press conference sounded “rehearsed” and suggested the young QB appeared nervous speaking to reporters. He chalked it up to inexperience and nerves, calling McCarthy “a little green” while admitting he was still excited to see him play.
The take didn’t sit well with Vikings fans—or really anyone paying attention. McCarthy didn’t come across as nervous in his presser, and given his background at Michigan, where he regularly played in front of crowds of 100,000+, it’s hard to believe he’d be rattled by a handful of local reporters.
It’s also worth noting that Daniel, a career backup who started just five games in 13 seasons and was never drafted, never faced the pressure McCarthy is now under. That context makes his comments feel more like grasping at straws—especially after he and co-host Dianna Russini pushed an inaccurate Aaron Rodgers-to-Minnesota rumor for much of the offseason.
Criticizing McCarthy’s lack of NFL experience is fair—but trying to paint him as nervous or overwhelmed based on one presser just doesn’t hold water.
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