J.J. McCarthy’s journey to becoming a quarterback was seemingly destined from the moment he was born. An unearthed home video aired on The Rich Eisen Show revealed his father, Jim, predicting his future before he was even named. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, McCarthy acknowledges how the video encapsulates his father’s unwavering belief in his potential.
The video, shown during McCarthy’s sitdown with Eisen, captured a conversation between his parents in the hospital as they discussed possible names for their newborn son. Jim, seemingly filled with foresight, declared, “This is gonna be daddy’s little quarterback.” McCarthy, who is expected to be a first-round pick, said that his father had only shown him the video six months ago and that Wednesday was the first time he shared it with anyone else.
“I was just like, ‘How come I didn’t see this early?'” McCarthy explained about his reaction to only seeing the video recently. “He said, ‘I was just waiting.’ He’s a patient guy.”
Jim’s patience will soon be rewarded as his son stands on the cusp of his NFL career. With the draft just a day away in Detroit, McCarthy helped lead Michigan to its first national championship since 1997 and is poised to be one of the biggest wild cards in the draft.
Caleb Williams is expected to go first overall to the Bears, with Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye most likely to follow. McCarthy’s name has been linked to the Giants and Patriots, and during his appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, he revealed that he spent the most time with the Giants during his pre-draft process.
“I have somewhat of an idea,” McCarthy said when asked if he had any idea where he was going to be picked. “New York Giants, I’ve spent the most time with. They’re a phenomenal staff. Love coach [Brian] Daboll. Love [general manager Joe Schoen]. Love coach [Shea Tierney], love coach [Mike Kafka].
“I met with them twice. It’s been amazing. Just throwing on Easter, never done that before, that was sweet.”
The intrigue and conversations surrounding McCarthy have been vast pre-NFL Draft, and the National Championship winner definitely surprised when he said the team he’s spent the most time with: the New York Giants.
