McCarthy’s QB Coach Apologizes to Cris Carter for Disrespectful Tweet

In an unexpected turn of events during the 2025 NFL season, a confrontation on social media led to an apology from Greg Holcomb, the longtime quarterback coach of J.J. McCarthy. This situation arose after Holcomb reacted negatively to comments made by Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter.

Incident Overview

On a Sunday afternoon, NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho highlighted McCarthy’s late-game touchdown pass against the Bears. In response, Cris Carter questioned the quarterback’s overall performance, stating, “Did you watch the first 59 mins?” with a thumbs down emoji.

Holcomb quickly responded to Carter’s comment, labeling him a “f clown” in a now-deleted tweet. This reaction sparked significant backlash online.

Holcomb’s Apology

By Wednesday, after facing scrutiny, Holcomb released a public apology. In his statement, he expressed regret for his choice of words, emphasizing that his reaction was “unprofessional and disrespectful.”

He acknowledged Carter’s status as a respected figure in the NFL, saying, “Cris Carter has earned a level of respect that my comments did not reflect.” Holcomb’s apology aimed to reaffirm his respect for both Carter and the Minnesota Vikings fanbase.

Key Points from the Apology

• Holcomb has worked with J.J. McCarthy since he was a seventh-grader.
• His initial reaction was driven by a desire to defend McCarthy.
• He took full responsibility for his remarks and recognized their inappropriateness.
• Holcomb later deleted the apology at the request of others but maintained that his feelings of regret remained unchanged.

Taking Responsibility

Holcomb’s situation highlights the volatility of social media interactions, particularly regarding public figures. While it’s natural for those close to athletes to defend them, respectful communication is essential.

This incident underscores the need for professionalism and constructive dialogue, especially within the sports community where emotions often run high.

Implications for the Vikings

The fallout from this incident serves as a reminder of the pressures surrounding players and coaches in the NFL. With fans invested in the team’s success, maintaining a level of decorum is crucial. The Vikings community deserves constructive discussions rather than inflammatory exchanges.