Football Player, JJ McCarthy Making Big Impacts On and Off the Field

Caitrina Mullally '25

JJ McCarthy, the starting quarterback for the University of Michigan football team, has become the face of Michigan and has made a huge impact on college football with his positive attitude.

At the ripe age of 19, only a sophomore, the second week into the season he became a starter. He exceeded expectations and showed his talent to his coaches, team, Michigan, and all of his fans. He was meant to be on the field. He went to Nazareth Academy in Illinois, playing football. However due to Covid-19 the Nazareth football season was canceled. He transferred to IMG Academy in Florida to continue his career.

After a challenging defeat during his playing days in high school, JJ McCarthy was signing autographs for supporters. Then he was approached by a young girl who wanted him to autograph something for her. She questioned him about why he was so upset both on and off the field. JJ apologized to the young fan for his poor performance and expressed his unsettled feeling due to the bad loss.

The little girl then explained her view on the situation, she wanted him to know he should be having fun on the field doing what he loves and keep a smile on his face. Then, with the marker he was autographing with, she drew a smiley face on his hand to remind him to keep smiling and enjoying the game no matter what.

JJ has carried this moment with him throughout the rest of his career, and now he has the smiley face drawn on his hand every game all because of that one fan.

JJ was impacted by this interaction and not only does he keep the smiley face on his hand, but it was a big part of the reason he started his own foundation. JJ For The Kids is a foundation that makes a difference in children’s lives. There is merchandise that anyone can buy on the website and you can also make a donation, all of the proceeds will go to making a difference in the lives of the kids in the Chicagoland area and in Ann Arbor.

Michigan ended up losing in the playoff semi-finals to TCU. It was an upsetting loss after the well performed season. However JJ’s execution throughout the season will not be forgotten.

Not only is he a skilled, outstanding player, but because of his past experiences and outlook on life, he has become an even better player. JJ has set great examples for kids and football players. As his fame and foundation grow we can just anticipate how much greater of an impact JJ will make.