Former Maryland WR Reunites with Big Ten Rival as NFL Journey Begins in Minnesota
The last time Tai Felton and J.J. McCarthy shared a football field, they were Big Ten rivals. Now, they share a locker room.
Felton, a former Maryland standout and third-round pick in this year’s draft, is adjusting to life in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings—and finding familiarity in an unlikely place. Across the room sits McCarthy, the former Michigan quarterback who gave Felton headaches in college and is now the Vikings’ Week 1 starter.
But now the foes have become friends as the two rookies and locker mates look to build something together in Minneapolis.
“Oh, that’s my dog,” Felton said. “He was beating me up at Maryland. We used to play Michigan all the time. But we’re locker roommates, so we always have jokes and stuff like that. We always talk. So that’s definitely my dog.”
While McCarthy steps into the spotlight under center, Felton is battling for reps in a stacked receiver room behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Brandon Powell. But he’s shown promise early—flashing speed and polish that’s already earned him a mention as a Mr. Mankato contender during training camp.
If Felton continues to build trust with McCarthy, their Big Ten rivalry may soon give way to a Sunday connection fans didn’t see coming.
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Jalon Dixon is a sports journalist and content creator with a sharp eye for storytelling and a deep love for the game. With years of experience covering the NBA and WNBA across blogs, podcasts, and digital media, Jalon brings a unique mix of insight, creativity, and authenticity to every piece he writes. He is the founder of Routine Jumper, a rising sports media platform built on thoughtful analysis and basketball culture. Whether breaking down X’s and O’s or elevating under-the-radar stories, Jalon’s work always centers the heart of the game.