J.J. McCarthy Impresses on 'ManningCast'

J.J. McCarthy is a 22-year-old quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, born on January 20, 2003. He was drafted by the Vikings in the first round (10th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Michigan.[3][4] During his college career at Michigan, McCarthy established himself as one of the program's most successful quarterbacks. He finished with a 27-1 record as a starter, achieving a 96.4 winning percentage—the best by any college quarterback since 1971.[2] He accumulated 7,905 career pass yards with 49 touchdown passes and just 13 interceptions, demonstrating exceptional accuracy and decision-making.[2] McCarthy was named the Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year in 2023 and earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors that same year.[2] He also received the Bo Schembechler Most Valuable Player award in 2023 and was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.[2] McCarthy made an immediate impact in his NFL debut, making history in a Vikings victory over the Chicago Bears. He became the first quarterback to score three fourth-quarter touchdowns in his NFL debut, throwing two touchdown passes to Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones before adding a 14-yard rushing touchdown.[1] Trailing 17-6 after three quarters, McCarthy orchestrated a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, leading the Vikings to a 27-24 win.[1] He also became the first quarterback to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit of at least 10 points since Hall of Famer Steve Young nearly 40 years earlier.[1] Additionally, McCarthy joined Vikings Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton as the only Vikings quarterbacks to throw multiple touchdowns in their NFL debuts.[1] Currently, McCarthy serves as the Vikings' starting quarterback as the team competes in the 2025 NFL season, continuing to build on his record-setting debut performance.

Randy Gene Moss, born February 13, 1977, is a former professional American football wide receiver widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history. He played 14 NFL seasons after being selected 21st overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Moss made an immediate impact by setting the NFL rookie record with 17 touchdown receptions and earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his career, he played for the Minnesota Vikings (1998–2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005–2006), New England Patriots (2007–2010), Tennessee Titans (2010), and San Francisco 49ers (2012)[1][2][3][4]. Moss was known for his speed, size, and exceptional ability to catch deep passes, redefining the wide receiver position. He led the NFL in touchdown receptions five times and holds the single-season touchdown reception record with 23 touchdowns in 2007 while with the Patriots. That season, he helped the Patriots achieve a perfect 16-0 regular-season record and reach Super Bowl XLII. He also appeared in Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers, though his teams lost both games. Over his career, Moss amassed 982 receptions, 15,292 receiving yards, and 156 touchdown catches, ranking second in NFL history for receiving touchdowns and third for receiving yards[2][3][4]. Moss earned six Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s. He retired after the 2012 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Since retiring, Moss has worked as a football analyst for ESPN, maintaining his relevance in the sport through media coverage and commentary[1][2][8].

Peyton Manning is a former professional American football quarterback widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He was born in 1976 and played 18 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Indianapolis Colts (1998–2011) and later the Denver Broncos (2012–2015). Manning was selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Colts and quickly became the franchise’s cornerstone, leading them to consistent playoff appearances, eight division titles, three AFC Championship Games, and two Super Bowl appearances. He won his first Super Bowl title and was named Super Bowl XLI MVP after leading the Colts to a victory over the Chicago Bears in 2007[1][2][3]. Known by the nickname "The Sheriff," Manning was celebrated for his exceptional football intelligence, precision passing, and leadership. Throughout his career, he won a record five NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2013), the most in league history. Manning also set numerous NFL records, including single-season passing yards (5,477) and touchdown passes (55) in 2013. He finished his career with 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdowns, ranking among the top all-time in both categories[1][3][4][5]. After a severe neck injury sidelined him for the entire 2011 season, Manning signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012, where he returned to elite form. He led the Broncos to Super Bowl XLVIII and ultimately to victory in Super Bowl 50 in 2016, marking his second championship before retiring that year[1][3][4][6]. Off the field, Manning has been recognized for his philanthropy and community involvement, including winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2005. Since retirement, he has remained active in football-related media, business ventures, and charitable causes[5].

Eli Manning is a retired American professional football quarterback who played 16 seasons in the NFL, exclusively for the New York Giants. Born on January 3, 1981, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning played college football at Ole Miss, where he set numerous school records and won several awards before being selected first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, who then traded him to the Giants[3][5][6]. Manning became the Giants' starting quarterback in 2005 and held the position until his retirement following the 2019 season. He started 210 consecutive games, the third-longest streak among NFL quarterbacks. Over his career, he led the Giants to six playoff appearances and two Super Bowl victories (XLII in 2007 and XLVI in 2011), both against the New England Patriots. Manning was named Super Bowl MVP in both games, joining an elite group of players with multiple Super Bowl MVP honors[1][3][5]. He retired with franchise records for most passing yards, completions, and touchdown passes, accumulating 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdowns, ranking him among the top quarterbacks in NFL history. Despite a regular-season record of 117-117, his playoff record was a strong 8-4, highlighting his effectiveness in crucial games[3][4][6][7]. After retirement, the Giants retired his number 10 jersey. In 2021, Manning transitioned to roles off the field, including a position in fan engagement and business operations with the Giants and a media career as an analyst for ESPN, hosting a college football show called "Eli's Place"[4]. He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2019-2020 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing his significant contributions to football[1][6].