When asked about his relationship with Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy used a head-turning classroom analogy on Wednesday during Minnesota Vikings OTAs.
“It’s just like two guys in a classroom,” McCarthy said on Wednesday. “He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coaches’ responsibility to teach us and coach us.”
McCarthy was then asked if there’s any awkwardness.
“Awkwardness?” he said. “It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room, that’s just kind of how it is. So I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness.”
Murray described a warmer dynamic with McCarthy, who Murray said has been receptive to pointers, communicative and inquisitive.
“It’s been great,” Murray, 28, said of his connection with McCarthy, 23.
“Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him … I’ve played seven years now going on eight. So I’m considered a veteran, even though I don’t see myself as that. [I can] give him any knowledge that he needs. Again, we’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”