Minnesota Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell Reacts to J.J. McCarthy’s ‘Griddy’
In a thrilling NFL matchup, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrated a touchdown in a game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 15, 2025. Despite being advised against performing the ‘Griddy’ dance, McCarthy embraced the moment after scoring, further energizing the game atmosphere.
Game Highlights
This victory was significant for both McCarthy and the Vikings. In the second quarter, McCarthy executed a bootleg play that resulted in him scoring easily, as defenders concentrated on containing other players. His flamboyant ‘Griddy’ dance paid homage to teammate Justin Jefferson, who popularized the celebration.
Coach Kevin O’Connell’s Reaction
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged the touchdown but expressed his preference for a more subdued approach. “The finish, I would not classify as special,” O’Connell remarked during the postgame press conference. He acknowledged the entertainment value but added, “I would’ve preferred him to show that 40 time that he likes to talk about.”
McCarthy’s Performance Under Pressure
Despite a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistency, McCarthy’s performance improved during this game. He completed 62.5% of his passes and achieved 250 yards with two touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Vikings’ 34-26 win. This marked his best career start in the NFL, showcasing his ability to rebound after an initial interception.
Season Struggles
- McCarthy is the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.
- Currently, he has thrown 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over eight starts.
- Despite a difficult season, he has recently shown improvement with a total of five touchdowns and only one interception in his last two games.
The Vikings ended their playoff hopes before this game, as they were eliminated from contention earlier on the same day. The loss of a chance at the postseason rendered their match against the Cowboys more about pride and individual growth.
Looking Forward
Coach O’Connell emphasized that McCarthy’s experiences this season are part of his development as an NFL quarterback. “We’re building up to a little bit more experience,” he noted. While the ‘Griddy’ celebration may have been a point of contention, McCarthy’s performance signals potential for growth as he continues to learn the nuances of the game.
