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By Madison Williams
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J.J. McCarthy made his first start for the New York Giants on Sunday against the Houston Texans, leading his new team to a 27-21 overtime win.
The young quarterback impressed NFL fans for his performance on Sunday. He completed 20-of-28 passes for 252 yards.
Giants coach John Harbaugh was just as impressed with his new QB1. He spent time during his post-game press conference praising McCarthy for overcoming many battles in his young NFL career.
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"Guys have scars—he has scars," Harbaugh said. "He's been wounded, he's been broken, he's been battered. But, you heal stronger, and you become better because of it. So, you should be grateful."
Harbaugh then spoke in McCarthy's voice, going over all the obstacles the quarterback's faced in the league. He won a national college football title with Michigan to help him be selected No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL draft to the Minnesota Vikings. But he missed his rookie season because of a torn meniscus.
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He then earned the starting role last season after Sam Darnold left the Vikings in free agency. Then, this season, the Vikings chose Kyler Murray to start over McCarthy, prompting him to be traded to the Giants mid-season.
Here's how Harbaugh summarized these hardships McCarthy endured:
"OK, I won a national championship, got a high pick for the Minnesota Vikings, was the guy after they let the veteran quarterback go to Seattle, fought my way through, but it ended up not working out for me. Got benched, got ridiculed, got traded, good. Good on every single one of those counts cause it's made me stronger. It's made me who I am, if I'm of the character to understand that. That is how life works."
These are complimentary words from Harbaugh. It's clear he really respects McCarthy's NFL journey, and he's proud of what he's overcome to get to where he is now.
McCarthy is expected to remain the 4-2-1 Giants' starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. New York will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 8 after their Week 8 bye.
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