Home / Sports / Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's Intense Pregame Rituals Revealed
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's Intense Pregame Rituals Revealed
8 Sep
Summary
- Second-year Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy to make NFL debut on Monday
- McCarthy uses "war paint" eye black and extended meditation to get ready
- Leans on Shiftwave chair for biofeedback before games
On Monday, September 11th, 2025, second-year Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will make his first regular-season start in the NFL. According to a recent ESPN report, the 22-year-old prospect is as locked in as a seasoned pro, with a unique set of pregame rituals to get him ready for the big stage.
One of McCarthy's signature moves is the application of "war paint" eye black. As he puts it, "That's when the war paint comes on. It's like I'm ready to die on that field, and I'm ready to do anything possible to get that win." This intense mindset is further reinforced by an extended version of his morning meditation, which helps him stay "as present as possible, grounded and centered."
In addition to the mental preparation, McCarthy also utilizes a Shiftwave chair, which applies vibrations to aid his physical and mental state through biofeedback. This combination of rituals reflects the quarterback's philosophy, inspired by a proverb attributed to 17th-century Japanese writer Miyamoto Musashi: "It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war."
Advertisement
Advertisement
On Monday night, this young warrior will take the field at Soldier Field, facing off against fellow 2024 draftee Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how McCarthy's unique pregame routine translates to his NFL debut performance.
