HH. Vikings WR Adam Thielen on if he thinks JJ McCarthy will get it “figured out” after a slow start to the season:

Adam Thielen on JJ McCarthy: “He’s Built for This”

The Minnesota Vikings’ season has been marked by both hope and uncertainty, with rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy’s slow start drawing the inevitable spotlight. Yet amid the questions, one of the franchise’s most respected veterans has stepped up with unwavering support. Wide receiver Adam Thielen, who returned to Minnesota this year after his stint in Carolina, offered a passionate defense of the young quarterback, emphasizing that McCarthy has everything it takes to rise above early struggles.

When asked if he believes McCarthy will eventually “figure it out,” Thielen didn’t hesitate.

“He’s built for that,” Thielen said firmly. “I say that because of his attitude, his mindset. He has that ‘It’ factor… that’s what made me excited to come back here, guys like him. As you saw in that Bears game, he’s gonna find a way.”

For Vikings fans, those words carry weight. Thielen isn’t just another veteran; he’s a Minnesota native, an undrafted free agent who became a Pro Bowl receiver and one of the most beloved players in franchise history. His endorsement of McCarthy isn’t just about locker room unity—it’s about credibility, experience, and the ability to recognize leadership when he sees it.

The Rookie Struggles

McCarthy, drafted to be the long-term answer at quarterback, has faced the predictable growing pains that come with adjusting to the NFL. His timing with receivers has been inconsistent, decision-making under pressure has wavered, and the offense at times has struggled to find rhythm. Critics have already begun questioning whether the Vikings pushed him into the starting role too quickly, especially with the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

But Thielen insists the surface-level stats don’t tell the whole story. “When you’re out there with him, you see the way he commands the huddle, you see the way he shakes off a bad play,” he explained. “That’s not something you can coach—that’s who he is.”

The Bears Game Turning Point

Thielen’s reference to the recent matchup against the Chicago Bears highlights the resilience he sees in McCarthy. After a shaky first half, McCarthy led several critical drives in the second, showing poise under pressure and flashing the arm strength that made him a top draft pick. Though the box score didn’t necessarily scream “breakout performance,” teammates noticed the shift in confidence and composure.

“Games like that matter,” Thielen said. “It’s not just about stats. It’s about showing your guys you’re not gonna fold when things don’t go right. JJ did that.”

Leadership and “The It Factor”

The phrase “It factor” has become something of a cliché in sports, but in McCarthy’s case, Thielen believes it’s real. The rookie has earned respect not just with his talent but with his approach to the grind.

“He’s not above the work,” Thielen said. “He’s the first one in, last one out. He listens, he asks questions, he wants to get better. And he’s not scared to be vocal when he needs to be. For a young guy, that’s rare.”

That mindset is what excites veterans like Thielen about the Vikings’ future. While every rookie quarterback has to navigate the turbulence of the NFL transition, the difference often lies in how they respond to setbacks. McCarthy, Thielen argues, is the kind of player who uses adversity as fuel.

A Message to Fans

Thielen’s words also seemed aimed at calming a restless fan base. With so much riding on the quarterback position, expectations for McCarthy were sky-high from the moment he was drafted. The idea of a slow start has tested patience, but Thielen urged perspective.

“This league isn’t about September football—it’s about who you are in December and January,” he said. “I’ve seen guys grow week to week, year to year. JJ is gonna grow, and when he does, people are gonna remember why this team believed in him.”

Building the Future Together

For Thielen, returning to Minnesota wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about being part of a locker room where veterans can mentor the next generation. Players like McCarthy represent the future, and Thielen clearly sees his role as helping guide them.

“I came back because I believe in what’s being built here,” Thielen said. “And when you’ve got a quarterback with that kind of heart, you want to be here to help him succeed.”

The Road Ahead

McCarthy’s development will be one of the defining storylines of the Vikings’ season. Every throw, every drive, every win or loss will be analyzed under the microscope. But with teammates like Adam Thielen publicly backing him, the rookie has both support and accountability.

Football, after all, is as much about trust as it is about talent. And right now, Thielen is telling the world that JJ McCarthy has both.

In the end, whether McCarthy fulfills his promise won’t be decided in a handful of games but over the course of seasons. Yet Thielen’s confidence paints a powerful picture: a veteran who’s seen it all, betting that this young quarterback has the resilience to weather storms and the charisma to eventually lead a franchise.

As Thielen put it best, “He’s gonna find a way.”