J.J. McCarthy, Vikings ride 'blue-collar' mindset to upset of Lions - ESPN

DETROIT — Say this much about Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy: He has a flair for the dramatic.

In his first game since suffering a high right ankle sprain seven weeks ago, McCarthy produced an uneven but ultimately winning performance, accounting for three touchdowns in a 27-24 upset of the Detroit Lions.

He paid homage to the state where he played three seasons of college football at Michigan by wearing a short-sleeved blue dress shirt with «J.J.» monogrammed on the left breast — a throwback to the Wolverines' «blue-collar» mindset, McCarthy said, and a reminder of how much work he has left to do.

But he was at his best on a 16-yard pass to receiver Jalen Nailor on third down to seal the victory.

«We saw a lot of things that he's capable of doing,» coach Kevin O'Connell said. «And we saw some things that as he continues his ascension and his growth, he'll only get better and better at.»

It was McCarthy's third career NFL game, after the ankle and a torn meniscus in his right knee last season have cost him 23 of his first 25 opportunities to play.

Still excited about the throw to Nailor after the game, McCarthy charged into the Vikings' locker room to a resounding roar from his teammates, according to video of the moment released by the team. Asked about it afterwards, McCarthy grew emotional and addressed the anguish he has faced over the past two seasons.

«It was awesome,» McCarthy said. «Just when you're hurt, being on IR last year and being out for five [games in 2025], it absolutely kills me not being out there with those guys because I love every single one of them, and I know they got my back and I got theirs the rest of the way.»

The Lions entered the game as 9.5-point favorites as the Vikings seemed