Minnesota Vikings First-round pick JJ McCarthy posted a cryptic message on social media after the Minnesota Vikings suffered a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round on Monday night.
The message comes amid speculation about Sam Darnold’s future in Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes a hand to running back Aaron Jones (33) during the first half of an NFL playoff football game on Monday 13 January 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Vikings went 14-3 in the regular season with Darnold at the helm. He had seemingly resurrected his career after a tumultuous start with the New York Jets and several backup roles that followed.
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But the playoffs were different.
Fighting for first place in the NFC, the Vikings were blown away by the Detroit Lions in Week 18. Darnold completed just 19 of 41 for 166 yards and no touchdowns. He was also sacked twice. Fast forward to Monday night, and the former first-round pick showed no signs of improvement.
He finished the 27-9 loss going 25 of 39 for 245 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was also sacked nine times.
“I definitely haven’t played well enough the last few weeks,” Darnold said after the game.
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But more interesting than Darnold’s admission after the game were comments from backup quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) battles the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at US Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024. (Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)
The old Michigan quarterback, who won a national championship before being drafted by the Vikings with the 10th overall pick, posted a cryptic message on X after Minnesota’s loss.
“Amor fati,” he wrote.
The Latin phrase, meaning “love of destiny,” refers to the mindset applied to how someone views life, both the good and the bad.
The post, which went viral on social media, could have several meanings for McCarthy.
JJ McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings watches the game against the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings beat the Colts 21-13. (David Berding/Getty Images)
He missed his entire rookie season due to injury and could return for the 2025 season as the Vikings’ new starter as Darnold becomes a free agent after back-to-back losses to end the year.
