His last meaningful time on the field was with the Michigan Wolverines in college. McCarthy led that team to a national championship win under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh. He's hoping to bring those winning ways with him to Minnesota.

The preseason used to be more predictable in terms of when starters would play given the four-game length. Now with three games teams treat the outline differently. NFL Draft Analyst Thor Nystrom has confirmed that the MN Vikings will use JJ McCarthy in game one of the exhibition schedule.