J.J. McCarthy is going from the Twin Cities to The Bronx.
The Vikings quarterback, 23, made a cameo appearance Friday at Yankee Stadium for the Bombers’ home opener against the Marlins in support of Devils star and Olympic hero Jack Hughes, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with goaltender Aerin Frankel, who won gold in Milan with the women’s team.
McCarthy became friends with Hughes’ younger brother and Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, 22, while attending the University of Michigan, according to NBC’s Bruce Beck, who shared an Instagram snap with the quarterback.
The former Wolverine — who played for Michigan from 2021-23 and won a national title — tossed a baseball around with Hughes, 24, as captured by The Post.
The Vikings’ 10th overall pick in 2024, McCarthy is coming off a rollercoaster first season as Minnesota’s starter after recovering from a torn meniscus that derailed his rookie campaign.
Although McCarthy showed flashes in 2025, he was hampered by inconsistent play and injuries, appearing in just 10 games.
McCarthy tossed 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding four scores on the ground.
J.J. McCarthy (second from left) with Jack Hughes (far left) during the Yankees’ home opener on April 3, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post The Vikings finished the year at 9-8 and missed the playoffs.
Minnesota has since added to its quarterback room this offseason with the signing of former first overall pick Kyler Murray, who was released from the Cardinals in March after seven seasons.
Murray, 28, agreed to a one-year deal with a quarterback competition expected.
J.J. McCarthy was the Vikings’ 10th overall pick in 2024. Getty Images “I think we accomplished a goal, which was to add a really talented player with some experience to that room,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said last month. “It’s something I’m really excited about, as we set out to elevate the situation in that quarterback room, being very competitive.”
The Vikings also reunited with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who relieved an injured McCarthy early last season before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury.
