The Minnesota Vikings did not have the sexiest win on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, but they had a beautiful moment on the field after securing the 9-3 victory over their NFC North rivals, and it involved backup quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Right after Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner sacked Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent on the final play of the game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., McCarthy and the rest of the Vikings ran onto the field in celebration.
✌️ Chicago pic.twitter.com/AXKaPyaJxG
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 20, 2026
Many fans took notice of McCarthy’s demeanor, as they were happy to see the quarterback reveling in the team’s success despite being relegated to a backup role behind Carson Wentz.
I like seeing #9 there to celebrate. Showing signs of maturity
— 316 (@sFb6xQ1GkywNjtW) September 20, 2026
— iceEnthusiast (@iceicebaby1776) September 21, 2026
No better teammate then @jjmccarthy09 #Skol
— First&2 (@Blazer678k) September 20, 2026
Love how JJ is showing love to his Teammates #skol
— Mikey C (@mikedogg56387) September 20, 2026
Love seeing 9 be the first one to celebrate with Dallas!
— Skol Fan Am (@SkolFanAm) September 20, 2026
McCarthy losing the Week 1 starting role to Minnesota newcomer Kyler Murray was not great news for the former Michigan Wolverines quarterback. Even with Murray suffering an injury in Week 1, McCarthy still wasn’t named the starter, and Wentz temporarily took the role. Wentz was actually named Minnesota’s chief QB backup before the season, leaving McCarthy as the QB3.
McCarthy will have to wait for his time to come, but whether it will be with the Vikings or somewhere else remains to be seen.
At the moment, he is under contract with the Vikings through the 2027 season, with Minnesota owning a club option on him for the 2028 campaign.
The 2-0 Vikings will look to stay undefeated when they visit the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
