Blake Corum Supports J.J. McCarthy’s NFL Journey and Growth

In a world where pro athletes are always under the microscope, the bond between old college teammates can say a lot about who they really are. Not long ago, Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum came out strong for his former Michigan teammate, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy’s had a rough go in the NFL, but Corum’s convinced his buddy’s still got plenty of story left—and maybe even a shot to quiet the doubters.

Blake Corum’s Journey with the Rams

Since landing with the Rams, Corum’s managed to carve out a real spot in the backfield. Lining up with Kyren Williams, he’s shown off his versatility and drive, helping the Rams’ offense click.

It’s been a grind from college to the pros for Corum. He sees those same qualities—hard work, grit—in McCarthy too.

Corum’s College Career

Back at Michigan, Corum and McCarthy shared three seasons and capped it off with a 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. Corum was a huge part of Michigan’s ground game, but he also saw McCarthy lead as quarterback, firsthand.

That experience is why Corum’s so sure McCarthy can make it in the NFL.

J.J. McCarthy’s NFL Struggles

McCarthy’s jump to the NFL? It’s been bumpy. Picked No. 10 overall by the Vikings in 2024, he lost most of his rookie year to a preseason knee injury.

Year two wasn’t much kinder—high ankle sprain, concussion, hairline fracture in his throwing hand. All those injuries kept him off the field and slowed his growth as a pro QB.

2025 Season Performance

By 2025, McCarthy started 10 games for the Vikings, but the results were all over the place. He finished with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 picks, completing just 57.6% of his throws.

There were flashes, though. He led a comeback win over the Bears and closed out the year with four straight victories. Still, it wasn’t quite enough to lock down the starting job for good.

Vikings’ Quarterback Situation

The Vikings aren’t taking chances at quarterback this year. They grabbed Kyler Murray on a cheap one-year deal after Arizona let him go.

Carson Wentz is back too, after starting five games last season. That’s a crowded room, and honestly, it could go either way for McCarthy.

Kyler Murray’s Opportunity

Murray’s always been a Vikings fan, and now he’s got his shot in Minnesota. His arrival definitely ups the pressure on McCarthy.

But maybe that’s not all bad—competing with a guy like Murray could push McCarthy to develop the mental toughness and skills he needs to stick around.

Blake Corum’s Optimism

Even with all the setbacks, Corum’s still betting on McCarthy. He thinks the competition will light a fire under his old teammate.

Corum points to McCarthy’s leadership and competitiveness—he’s convinced McCarthy’s story isn’t finished yet.

Supporting a Friend

Corum’s support goes way past their Michigan days. He gets how tough it is to make the jump from college to the NFL.

He believes McCarthy’s got the drive to push through. Their shared championship run at Michigan says a lot, at least in Corum’s eyes.

The Road Ahead for J.J. McCarthy

With the new NFL season coming up, McCarthy’s at a crossroads. The Vikings’ quarterback situation is crowded, and expectations are sky-high.

He’s got to stay healthy and show he can deliver. The team clearly sees something in him, but it’s on McCarthy to grab that chance and run with it.

Learning from the Past

There’s always someone to look to—like Sam Darnold, who needed a few years before things started to click in the NFL. That kind of patience and persistence can pay off.

Maybe McCarthy can take a page from that playbook. If he does, who knows? He might just become the quarterback the Vikings hoped for when they drafted him.

Conclusion

Blake Corum’s steady support for J.J. McCarthy really says something about the rough road to NFL success. It’s rarely a straight path, is it?

McCarthy’s story? Still unfolding. With the right mindset and some grit, who’s to say he can’t push through and quiet the critics?

The new season is coming up fast. Folks will be watching McCarthy and the Vikings’ quarterback situation—honestly, it’s hard not to get a little curious.

For more on this, check out the full article on the NFL website.