Vikings rookie JJ McCarthy shares cryptic post after crushing playoff loss

Minnesota Vikings first round pick JJ McCarthy posted a cryptic message on social media after the Minnesota Vikings suffered a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round on Monday night.

The post comes amid speculation about Sam Darnolds future in Minnesota.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes to running back Aaron Jones (33) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Vikings went 14-3 in the regular season with Darnold at the helm. He had seemingly revived his career after a tumultuous start with the New York Jets and several backup roles after that.

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But the playoffs were different.

The Vikings were battling for the top seed in the NFC and were blown out Detroit Lions in Week 18. Darnold completed just 19 of 41 for 166 yards and no touchdowns. He was also fired twice. Fast forward to Monday night, and the former first-round draft pick showed no signs of improvement.

He finished the 27-9 loss 25 of 39 for 245 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked nine times.

“Obviously I haven’t played well enough the last few weeks,” Darnold said after the game.

SAM DARNOLD’S VIKINGS FUTURE IN QUESTION AFTER POOR PLAYOFF COACH COMMENTS

But more interesting than Darnold’s postgame admission were the comments made by backup quarterback JJ McCarthy.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) tackles the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at US Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024. (Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)

The former michigan quarterback, who won a national championship before being drafted by the Vikings with the 10th overall pick, posted a cryptic message on X after Minnesota’s loss.

“Amor fati,” he wrote.

The Latin phrase meaning “love of fate” refers to the mindset applied to how someone views life, both good and bad.

The post, which went viral on social media, may have several meanings for McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium on November 3, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Colts 21-13. (David Berding/Getty Images)

He missed his entire rookie season due to injury and could return for the 2025 season as the Vikings’ new starter when Darnold becomes a free agent after back-to-back losses to end the year.

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