The video clip went viral on social media last month as quarterback J.J. McCarthy shared what was going through his head after narrowly beating safety Brian Branch to the pylon for a rushing touchdown during the game between the Vikings and Detroit Lions.

As he chatted with quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and assistant quarterbacks coach Jordan Traylor on the sideline, McCarthy recounted the scoring play, saying, “I was really thinking about just booming his ass at the goal line.”

The private moment unknowingly caught on camera effectively encapsulated the duality of McCarthy as he continues to develop. The competitive fire that defined him throughout his rise up the ranks has largely contributed to him being unavailable for prolonged stretches at the highest level.

That explains why hea

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