JJ McCarthy Reveals Eight-Word Counsel Peyton Manning Gave Him For 2024-2025 Season

JJ McCarthy is battling Sam Darnold for the starting quarterback job with the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2024-2025 season.

McCarthy was praised by starting tight end TJ Hockensen last month for the rate at which he's been picking up Coach Kevin O'Connell's offense.

Hockensen said McCarthy has been a "baller" during offseason camp, adding to hopes that he may start over Darnold at some point this season

On Friday, NFL legend Peyton Manning's short but sweet pre-season advice for the Michigan rookie was revealed by Kevin Seifert of ESPN.

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According to Seifert, Manning gave stark advice to McCarthy ahead of this coming season.

"Respect the NFL but don't over-respect it," the ex-Colts and Broncos QB reportedly told McCarthy.

He also commented on McCarthy's footwork and mental processing speed.

"(He said), 'Don't speed up your footwork, don't speed up your thought processes," McCarthy said. "And that's something I fell victim to that day, so it was a great learning experience."

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