Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy commented earlier this offseason that he is a colleague of Kyler Murray, but they aren’t close.
The two are in a battle to be the starter come September, and it feels like McCarthy isn’t looking at it as a friendly competition.
Adrian Peterson hopes that relationship evolves over the course of the season, as the Minnesota legend thinks McCarthy can learn a lot from his new veteran teammate.
“Hopefully Kyler is taking him under his wing and (McCarthy) isn’t looking at it too much like, ‘Screw this guy, he’s a veteran in here to take my spot,’” Peterson told Heavy in an exclusive interview.
The two players have different skill-sets, but Peterson believes there is still much that McCarthy can glean from watching the way Murray plays the position.
“It’s a competition no matter what, but hopefully he’s taking a lot in and seeing some things he can transfer to his game, which in turn will help him grow at the quarterback position,” Peterson said.
McCarthy struggled last season, averaging 6.7 yards per pass attempt with more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11). He has also dealt with multiple injuries since the Vikings took him No. 10 overall in the 2024 draft.
While McCarthy has reportedly had some nice moments in training camp, it seems like Murray remains on track to be the starting quarterback to begin the season.
Peterson said earlier this week that he expects Murray to win the competition.
“In my eyes, based on what I’ve seen from J.J., it would definitely be a surprise (if he started),” Peterson said. “That’s not to take anything away from J.J. I feel like he’s still a young quarterback. He’s only been around two or three years and he was injured the first year. But I feel like he has a lot of growing to do.”
Peterson to Headline National Fantasy Football Draft Day
Peterson is heading to Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas from Aug. 20-22 to headline National Fantasy Football Draft Day.
The event will feature more than 100 live fantasy football drafts with appearances from fantasy football analysts and media personalities.
Peterson will participate in autograph sessions and photo opportunities throughout the weekend. He will also help come up with last-place punishments, and shared one with Heavy that has always stood out to him.
“I saw this one where the last-place person had to cut all their facial hair off,” Peterson said. “Eyebrows, all of that. That alone is a punishment, but think of somebody that’s growing a beard or is known for having their facial hair. And then you’ve got to cut all that off, plus your eyebrows? That’s pretty rough.”
Peterson was a fantasy football juggernaut as a player and hasn’t ruled out joining the masses and creating a fantasy football team down the road.
“I never really got into it, but who knows?” Peterson said. “Maybe I will at some point.”
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