Inside The Vikings

How J.J. McCarthy made NFL history in Vikings' 4th quarter comeback over Bears

McCarthy became the first quarterback since Steve Young to pull off a certain feat on Monday.
Adam Uren|
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) tackles Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) tackles Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

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Minnesota Vikings

What started in a rocky manner ended in history-making fashion for J.J. McCarthy, who led the Minnesota Vikings to a stunning fourth-quarter comeback in Monday's 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears.

With the Vikings trailing 17-6 with 12:18 left in the game, McCarthy led the Vikings to three unanswered touchdowns on successive drives.

In doing so, he set one record and also achieved a series of landmarks that will send the Vikings fanbase abuzz with excitement:

  • The first player in NFL history to have three touchdowns in the 4th quarter of their NFL debut.
  • The first quarterback since Steve Young in 1985 to overcome a 10-point 4th quarter deficit in their debut and win – and the only player to do it on the road since 1950.
  • The first player since Cam Newton in 2011 to register 2+ passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in their NFL debut.

After a first half beset by dropped catches, delay of game penalties and a pick-six to former Viking Nahshon Wright, McCarthy burst into life in the fourth, finding Justin Jefferson with a 13-yard dart to reduce the deficit to 17-12.

With Brian Flores' defense suddenly purring and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams unable to advance, the Vikings quickly retook possession and embarked on a quick drive that culminated with a stunning pass from McCarthy to running back Aaron Jones Sr. for a 27-yard touchdown. He followed it with a pass to Adam Thielen for the two-point conversion.

Not enough? The Vikings once again took possession after a Chicago 3-and-out and with 7:24 remaining. They marched down the field on a 68-yard drive, with McCarthy taking the ball to the house all on his own – aided by some solid blocking from T.J. Hockenson.

It was a truly incredible — and historic — comeback in McCarthy's first NFL game.

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Adam Uren
ADAM UREN

Adam, raised on the Isle of Man, brings 15 years of experience as a reporter and editor at both regional and national levels in the U.K. and the U.S. In 2014, he moved to Minnesota and joined Bring Me The News, focusing on news coverage for the Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, and greater Minnesota. Now a co-owner and editor of Bring Me The News, Bring Me The Sports, and Bring Me The Weather, Adam balances his editorial duties with occasional sports writing. His top three passions are his family, Liverpool F.C., and British baked bean

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