Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy joining Rodgers, Darnold with 'MNF' start - ESPN

It's J.J. McCarthy time for the Minnesota Vikings.

McCarthy will make his first NFL career start for the Vikings on «Monday Night Football» against the host Chicago Bears (8:15 p.m. ET on ABC). After being drafted 10th by Minnesota in 2024, McCarthy underwent surgery in August of that year to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee and missed the entire season.

The Vikings quarterback made his return last month and admitted there was a «little teardrop» during the national anthem prior to his first preseason game. The moment concluded a 364-day journey since his last game.

During three seasons with the Michigan Wolverines, McCarthy threw for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He played a key role in Michigan's national championship-winning campaign in 2023.

McCarthy's first official NFL game Monday puts him in rare air.

He is projected to be the fourth quarterback over the past 20 seasons to make his first career start on «Monday Night Football» in Week 1, according to ESPN Research. History says it's a good omen for McCarthy and Viking fans — each of the other three quarterbacks led their teams to a win.

Here's a look back at how the other three quarterbacks fared in their starts.

Stat line: 16-of-21, 198 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception

Darnold entered the league with plenty of hype after the New York Jets selected him at No. 3, but his debut began on a rough note. The former USC Trojans quarterback threw a pick-six on his first pass attempt before redeeming himself later in the game.

His first career touchdown pass was a 41-yard completion to Robbie Chosen in the second quarter. Darnold followed that up with a 21-yard strike to Quincy Enunwa for another score.

The Jets dominated the