Skinny J.J. McCarthy Faces Trolling for Slim Physique, Echoes of Tom Brady’s Rise

In 2023, J.J. McCarthy wasn’t just a starter for Michigan; he was a champion. Leading the Wolverines to a perfect 15-0 season and a dominant CFP victory cemented his legacy. It’s undeniable that his skills have flourished under Coach Jim Harbaugh’s guidance. However, critics slam McCarthy’s “skinny” physique despite his success and abilities. While some project him lower than Drake Maye in the 2024 Draft, many fans see shades of Tom Brady in the young quarterback. 

Tom Brady also faced several doubts about his “skinny” physique at the NFL Combine, and McCarthy is experiencing a similar criticism. However, Brady silenced the doubters with his on-field talent, becoming a legend. This positive image of a quarterback overcoming physical limitations now resonates with fans, sparking a wave of support for McCarthy online. However, some critics also remain.

J.J. McCarthy mirrors Brady’s Combine assessment

The race for the top quarterback is heating, with names like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye leading the pack. However, J.J. McCarthy seems to get overlooked because of his physique. While he’s projected to be just over 6-foot-2, his weight (around 219 pounds) is raising eyebrows. Analysts label him “skinny” with a “weak arm” and lacking athleticism. This narrative sounds similar to another quarterback’s draft profile — Tom Brady. Brady’s Combine report from 2000 reads like a mirror image — “Poor build, Skinny, Lacks great physical stature and strength, Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush, Lacks a really strong arm, Can’t drive the ball downfield, Does not throw a really tight spiral, System-type player who can get exposed if forced to ad lib, Gets knocked down easily.”

Despite these, the Patriots drafted him, and the rest is history. Tom Brady led them to six Super Bowl victories and went on to win another with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Interestingly, J.J. McCarthy reportedly ran a 4.48 40-yard dash before the 2023 season, faster than Brady’s 5.28. Fans also pour their support for McCarthy, hoping he can defy expectations just like Brady.

McCarthy’s “skinny” frame isn’t reducing his fan support

Social media is buzzing with support for J.J. McCarthy despite criticisms of his physique. A fan posted, “JJ McCarthy having a weak arm is the worst common QB take of this draft season!” Soon, commenters chimed in, arguing that arm strength isn’t the only measure of a quarterback’s ability. Meanwhile, another fan highlighted, “As far as I can tell the scouting report on JJ McCarthy is – weak arm, not athletic, game manager for a run first system, but he was the starter for a team that won a lot of games!!” This sentiment quite echoed with many.

However, the debate continued, drawing comparisons to other QB prospects. One said, “Hilarious seeing people on this app saying they would rather draft McCarthy over Daniels because they are concerned about the Heisman winner being “too skinny. Jayden Daniels – 6’4″ 210 lbs, J.J. McCarthy 6’3″ 203 lbs. Both should put on weight but ENOUGH with this asinine take.” Meanwhile, another posted, “J.J. McCarthy is jacked compared to Andrew Luck. Does he even workout, bro? Go look how tiny, small weak sad, and pathetic NFL draft quarterback prospects look in 2024.”

Read More: J.J. McCarthy Draft Projection: Broncos Handed a Reality Check as NFL Giants Emerge as Favorites to Sign Ex-Michigan QB 

Even though some criticize his build and arm throw, there’s no doubt J.J. McCarthy is a talent powerhouse. He works well under pressure and may become the next Brady, winning many trophies for his team. Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below.

Read More: Being an NFL QB Is a Pressure Cooker, but JJ McCarthy Could Make Tom Brady More Proud Once Again