The NFL Draft might separate these two teammates, but their respect for each other will never fade. Both the stars of the Michigan Wolverines are entering the Draft together and while they will be hoping to land with the top-tier teams in the NFL, Zak Zinter and J.J. McCarthy will continue to support each other to the fullest.

Zak Zinter, the offensive lineman for the Michigan Wolverines, was the impenetrable wall for the team in 2023. He was a unanimous All-American and a natty champion last season but suffered an unfortunate injury in November against the Buckeyes. Still, he was one of the 18 Michigan players invited to the Combine. He spoke to the media and did interviews without participating in drills and during one such interview; he spoke greatly about teammate J.J. McCarthy which highlighted their great relationship.

Zak Zinter has strong words of appreciation for his teammate J.J. McCarthy

In the latest clip from the NFL Combine interview of Zak Zinter, he could be seen appreciating J.J. McCarthy immensely as the talks around his future continue to gain more and more traction. With both the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings in the race to sign the Michigan star QB, Zinter’s words proved that McCarthy’s talent and compassion stretch beyond the gridiron as well.

Zinter said, “You know even as a young guy, he had the respect and the leadership of the whole locker room. I mean he was our QB and you can see that through the preparation he has through the week. You know how competitive he is and how much he shows us respect and gives us a bunch of credits as well up front, even the backs and the receivers. Just one hell of a dude.” As both players get ready to move on to the next stage in their football careers, it is evident that their chemistry in Michigan was incomparable and there’s nothing but respect between the two.

On the other hand, the 2023 season ended bittersweet for Zinter when he endured a season-ending injury in his left leg. He had to miss out on Michigan’s championship victory and is still currently recovering from the surgery. Now that he seems to be moving toward the NFL, here’s what he had to say about his injury update.

“Ready to roll,” says Zak Zinter as he prepares to perform at Pro Day

The injury that Zinter faced during the game against the Buckeyes was absolutely disheartening to see. He broke the tibia and fibula but was lucky that the doctors only suggested a three-month recovery period. Now that he’s been cleared to go, Zinter will want to retain his reputation as one of the best OLs but understands that it will take some time to fully heal.

Zinter said, “I’m not going to be doing anything here at the combine, but the leg’s doing good, so the plan is to do the bench and move around at pro day a little bit. Honestly, everyone’s asked about it, but it’s been quick. They see me moving around great, feeling good. We had some medical yesterday and finished up some medical today, but I’m going to be ready to roll in a month. I’ll be football-ready. So, it’s not a huge concern with a lot of teams just seeing me move around really well.” Thus, the Michigan star would most likely not be one of the top draft picks this year but should most probably end up with a decent team because of his potential and the talent he showcased in the 2023 season.

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Will Zinter recover just in time for the NFL Draft? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.