In a stunning turn of events that has reshaped the New York Giants' quarterback room, former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick J.J. McCarthy has found a new home in the Big Apple. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, McCarthy, who wore No. 9 at the University of Michigan and during his time with the Vikings, will don a new number with the Giants: No. 18. The change comes after tight end Isaiah Likely retained the No. 9 jersey, prompting McCarthy to double up and start fresh with his new team. The news, first reported on the team’s official roster page, marks the beginning of a new era for the 24-year-old signal-caller.
A Meme-Worthy Alter Ego Left Behind
McCarthy’s No. 9 had become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, especially after he revealed in a press conference last November that he has an on-field alter ego named “Nine.” “I call him Nine,” McCarthy explained. “Nine comes out, and I gotta understand, like, OK, he can’t be at his peak performance throughout three and a half hours. So how do I find little ways on the sideline, get back to my breath, get back to my visualization, that can kind of maintain that intense, competitive stamina throughout the whole game? It’s just the pure will, determination to get the job done.” Whether “18” will adopt a similar persona remains to be seen, but the bigger picture is that McCarthy is getting a second NFL chance just three seasons after being selected 10th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 draft.
From Minnesota to New York: A Fresh Start
McCarthy’s journey has been anything but smooth. After missing his entire rookie season in 2024 due to injury, he returned in 2025 to post a 6-4 record as a starter, battling an ankle sprain and a fracture in his right hand. Despite his resilience, he threw 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions with a 57.6 completion percentage, and his 72.6 quarterback rating ranked worst among 33 qualified quarterbacks. His fate in Minnesota was sealed this season when the Vikings traded for Kyler Murray and relegated McCarthy to third string behind Carson Wentz. Now, he arrives in New York to fill a void after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.
What McCarthy Brings to the Giants
For now, Jameis Winston remains the starter, but the Giants will soon decide whether McCarthy or Jake Haener will serve as the backup on Sunday against the Cardinals. Head coach John Harbaugh expressed enthusiasm about the addition. “Really glad, really happy, very excited to add J.J. McCarthy,” Harbaugh said Monday. “I think he’s a strong young quarterback … very talented player and he’s gonna make us a stronger football team. I think it makes us better.” Harbaugh added, “He’s a talented guy. There’s just no doubt about it, he’s talented. He was a top-10 pick for a reason. I know he didn’t hold on to that job in Minnesota and that’s why he’s available.”
The Bigger Picture
As the Giants prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Cardinals, McCarthy’s arrival injects new life into a quarterback room that has been decimated by injuries. While he may not see immediate playing time, his presence provides depth and a potential long-term option. For McCarthy, the change of scenery offers a chance to rewrite his narrative and prove that his top-10 pedigree wasn’t a fluke. As highlighted on Vulius, the NFL is a league of second chances, and McCarthy is determined to make the most of his.
“It’s just the pure will, determination to get the job done.” – J.J. McCarthy on his alter ego, “Nine”
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