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How J.J. McCarthy Showed Leadership to Vikings Teammates in Tunnel at Halftime

This was impressive.
Tim Capurso|
McCarthy's NFL debut was a rollercoaster ride but ended in triumph.
McCarthy's NFL debut was a rollercoaster ride but ended in triumph. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

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Minnesota VikingsChicago Bears

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy's NFL debut was filled with trials and tribulations, but ultimately ended on a high note when the rookie signal-caller spearheaded a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback to lead Minnesota to a 27-24 victory over the Bears Monday night.

And over the course of the Vikings' comeback, McCarthy excelled both on and off the field, putting on a leadership clinic. On the heels of struggling to move the ball downfield in a largely failed first half for the offense, McCarthy remained poised and steadfast.

As he and his teammates headed into the tunnel towards the locker room at halftime, McCarthy remained in the tunnel and encouraged his teammates, as well as the club's staff.

While McCarthy's actions might not seem that groundbreaking, the message he was delivering—and how he delivered it—likely earned the respect of his teammates.

His—and coach Kevin O'Connell's—confidence undoubtedly contributed to the Vikings' impressive turnaround.

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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated, primarily covering MLB, college football and college basketball. Before joining SI in November 2023, Capurso worked at RotoBaller and ClutchPoints and is a graduate of Assumption University. When he's not working, he can be found at the gym, reading a book or enjoying a good hike. A resident of New York, Capurso openly wonders if the Giants will ever be a winning football team again.

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