Shannon Sharpe isn’t mincing words when it comes to Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy. After the University of Michigan product spoke with the media last week about his relationship with NFL vet Kyler Murray, McCarthy’s response got many people riled up. On his podcast, “Nightcap,” Sharpe spoke with fellow professional athlete Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson about the matter and slammed McCarthy for his lackluster play during the 2025 season.
There’s A Fight For The Top Spot In Minnesota
McCarthy was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings back in 2024; however, he sat out his rookie season due to injury.
He returned to the field in 2025, going 6-4 as a starter, throwing 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns, according to The Blast.
The Vikings didn’t seem pleased with his performance, though, choosing to sign Arizona Cardinals alum Kyler Murray during the offseason. Now, both men are competing for the top spot.
JJ McCarthy Doesn’t Have The Best Response When Asked About His Relationship With Murray
Last week, when asked about their relationship, Murray praised the young QB, saying he’s been a pleasure to be around and has shown up to work ready to learn.
“It’s been great,” Murray said. “Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him. I’ve played seven years now, going onto eight. So, I’m considered a veteran even though I don’t see myself as that. Give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”
McCarthy, on the other hand, had a different response, noting that he doesn’t really have much of a relationship with Murray.
“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
When asked whether there was any awkwardness, McCarthy added, “Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room. It’s just kinda how it is, so I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”
Shannon Sharpe Lays Into JJ McCarthy Over Murray Statement: ‘It’s His Fault’
During a recent episode of his “Nightcap” podcast, Sharpe touched on McCarthy’s headline-making statements about his teammate and didn’t bite his tongue.
“It’s his fault. Had you played better, Kyler Murray’s services would not have been needed,” Sharpe said boldly. “The mere fact that they got Kyler Murray in there tells you everything you need to know, J.J. McCarthy.”
Sharpe didn’t stop there. He continued, “Don’t be mad at the coach, be mad at you.” According to the Super Bowl champion and former Denver Broncos player, McCarthy is the reason Minnesota has two players battling for the coveted position.
“Your play brought this on, and guess where you’re going to be? He is going to be on the field; you’re going to be sitting on the bench,” he said. “That’s gonna be really awkward.”
Sharpe also brought up the Vikings’ decision to part ways with Sam Darnold (14-3 with the Vikings in 2024), who later won the Super Bowl in 2026. “Now he goes to another team and wins the Super Bowl, and now guess what? They’re stuck like in an elevator with a bad song, and you’re the bad song, and they’re the elevator,” he said.
Ochocinco Gives JJ McCarthy A Little Grace Over Awkward Murray Reference
Former Cincinnati Bengals player Johnson offered a bit more grace to McCarthy, saying the young professional hasn’t been properly trained on how to deal with the media.
“He’s not savvy just yet,” he said. “You can tell he hasn’t been prepped in the right way to answer questions when it comes to players inside that locker room—especially one that you’re competing against.”
“JJ McCarthy hasn’t been groomed, he hasn’t been prepped, and you can tell,” he added.
Social Media Sides With Sharpe
Social media users seem to agree with Sharpe’s assessment of the situation, with one writing, “JJ just mad he’s gonna lose the starting QB battle.”
Another said, “JJ is likely unhappy about losing his spot. He’s very young, and it shows.”