Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy waited a long time for his second taste of NFL game action after tearing his meniscus in his preseason debut last year and the payoff to his long journey back to the lineup hit him during the national anthem on Saturday.

McCarthy said he “had a little tear drop” while listening to the song at U.S. Bank Stadium and called it a “truly awesome” feeling to be back in uniform with his teammates. McCarthy then hit the field for the opening possession and went 4-of-7 for 30 yards while also running once for eight yards on the way to a field goal.

That was all head coach Kevin O’Connell wanted to see from the quarterback and McCarthy felt happy with how things played out.

“I feel like K.O. just thought of this as checking another box ,” McCarthy said, via t

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