Former Vikings QB great sends strong message on Michigan Wolverines football legend J.J. McCarthy

Michigan Wolverines football legend J.J. McCarthy has been a stunning victim of the constant NFL news cycle, even in the depths of the offseason.

The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie campaign with a torn right meniscus and later suffered numerous setbacks during his recovery.

Sam Darnold led the Vikings to one of the most explosive passing attacks in the league last year, so McCarthy is coming in with high expectations. According to many team beat writers around minicamp, the Jim Harbaugh product struggled with decision-making and accuracy, creating some cause for concern at a national level.

One former Pro Bowl signal-caller isn't buying into the fear-mongering and gave his stamp of approval to the young QB.

In a recent interview with CBS, former Vikings great Daunte Culpepper gave a glowing assessment of McCarthy and his future at the helm.

"I saw him at practice last week, and he looks great," Culpepper said. "He has that it factor, I always say; he has it. And I can see it in his eyes—he's ready to go out and tear it up. I think it won't be a hard transition for him in the NFL. As long as we keep him healthy and keep him off the ground, with those weapons around him, I see great things."

It's likely far too early in the process to make an accurate assessment of McCarthy's chances to succeed as a pro, but Culpepper's high praise should ease some concerns in Minnesota.

Current indications suggest the Vikings staff will have McCarthy be more of a game manager and ease him into a more prominent role down the line.

He has all the physical and mental traits of a superstar.

Now it's McCarthy’s turn to put it together.