NFL News: Vikings JJ McCarthy dance-irk coach

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy scored three touchdowns in the team’s win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, but one of them came to the chagrin of his head coach.

In the second quarter, McCarthy and the Vikings lined up at the 1-yard line. He faked a handoff to running back Jordan Mason and ran to his left. He was all alone, doing the “Griddy” dance move as he ran into the end zone.

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Apparently, that upset Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. He said he would not have classed the finish as “special”.

“It was entertaining,” O’Connell said, via ESPN. “I think we’re in the entertainment business, but I would have preferred him to show the 40 times that he likes to talk about that he’s never run and that his 40 is coming out. [of college]which was unique to say the least. But as a guy who once ran a fast 40 and couldn’t throw it very well, I can probably understand why quarterbacks choose to do that these days.”

McCarthy said he made the move in practice and was told not to do it again.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy watches during the Dallas Cowboys game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

“So, just me being who I am, it’s like, ‘Oh, now I’m more enticed to do it.’ [grade] for that,” McCarthy said.

The second-year quarterback threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. It was the best statistical game of his career thus far.

Both touchdowns were thrown to Jalen Nailor. Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson had four catches for 66 yards.

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Minnesota moved to 6-8 on the season.