EAGAN, Minn. -- Many NFL fans were surprised on the night of Jan. 5, when the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback of the future got considerable air time during NBC's broadcast of the team's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season because of a torn meniscus in his right knee, appeared thinner than usual as he watched the game from the sideline in a T-shirt and shorts.
Listed at 219 pounds at the start of training camp, McCarthy dropped more than 20 pounds this fall, following a pattern familiar for many football players who put strength workouts on hold during the rehabilitation process.