JJ McCarthy waited one full season before he finally connected with Justin Jefferson on an NFL field.
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback had a rough start to Monday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. McCarthy threw 5/8 for 48 yards through the first half of the Week 1 contest. His first pass of the second half was intercepted for a touchdown to put the Bears up 17-6.
But McCarthy rebounded after throwing the pick-six. The Michigan alum led the Vikings to back-to-back touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. His first TD pass ever was unsurprisingly on a pass to Jefferson.
With Minnesota facing 3rd-and-5 at Chicago’s 13, McCarthy threw a laser to Jefferson up the middle for a TD. For the first time ever, Vikings fans were able to applaud the new “JJ to JJ” connection.
JJ to JJ for 17 yards
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2025
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For the first time… JJ TO JJ pic.twitter.com/EgqlMG6UL6
— 10,000 Takes (@10k_Takes) September 9, 2025
JJ to JJ
— Peppy (@Eien_no_Tomi) September 9, 2025
JJ to JJ for 17 yards
— nikihandsome 🔺 On XRP || NOYA (@nikihandsome7) September 9, 2025
Jefferson also brought out his signature “Griddy” celebration to commemorate the occasion.
JJ to JJ for 17 yards
— nikihandsome 🔺 On XRP || NOYA (@nikihandsome7) September 9, 2025
The Vikings had high hopes for McCarthy when they drafted him 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. But McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee before he’d get a chance to take the field last season.
Based on his performance on Monday, McCarthy has put that aforementioned knee injury behind him.
