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Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy scored three touchdowns in the team’s win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, but one of them came much to the chagrin of his head coach.
In the second quarter, McCarthy and the Vikings lined up on the 1-yard line. He faked a handoff to running back Jordan Mason and ran to his left. He was all alone and performed the “Griddy” dance move as he rushed into the end zone.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy runs toward the end zone for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortés)
Apparently, this upset Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. He said he wouldn’t have classified the finish as “special”.
“It was entertaining,” O’Connell said via ESPN. “I guess we’re in the entertainment business, but I would have preferred him to show 40 years old that he likes to talk about never running, his 40s coming out [of college]which was unique to say the least. But as a guy who once ran a fast 40 and didn’t know how to throw it very well, I can probably understand why quarterbacks choose to do that these days. »
McCarthy said he did this in practice and was told not to do it again.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy looks on during the Dallas Cowboys game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortés)
“So being who I am, it’s like, ‘Oh, now I have more incentive to do it.’ But if it’s that open, obviously just get in the end zone no matter what — and be coachable and do what my coach says. So yes, I will definitely have a minus [grade] for this,” McCarthy said.
The second-year quarterback threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. It was the best statistical game of his career so far.
Both touchdowns were thrown to Jalen Nailor. Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson had four catches for 66 yards.
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Minnesota improved to 6-8 this season.
