Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
During his introduction to the Minnesota Vikings media on Thursday night, the newly minted NFL quarterback received an unexpected call — from none other than the most renowned figure in NHL history.
Yet, McCarthy chose to ignore the call, remaining steadfastly focused on the matter at hand.
“Oh wow, Wayne Gretzky is calling me,” McCarthy noted, reaching forward to decline (momentarily) the incoming call and continue using his phone for the video conference. “Sorry about that.”
He added with a laugh: “Hockey guy, and I’m going to the State of Hockey.”
McCarthy actually has a pre-existing relationship with Gretzky.
RELATED: J.J. McCarthy’s Fiancée Reacts To Him Being Drafted By The Minnesota Vikings
They had a FaceTime call after Michigan football won the national championship on January 8.
This will certainly endear him to fans in Minnesota as they are well-known for their love of hockey.
It certainly seems as if it is where McCarthy wants to be as his former head coach at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh, confirmed as much.
“That’s where he wanted to go,” Harbaugh said. “He had his heart set on it, and I’m just so happy for him. I love him like a son, and I was praying and pulling for it to work out the way he wanted. The stars aligned, and congratulations to Minnesota—they got themselves a great player.”
The Vikings signed Sam Darnold in the offseason and he may be under center to start the Vikings 2024 season.
However, there is no doubt that the Vikings envision McCarthy as their quarterback of the future.
