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Former MN Vikings DB Gushes Over JJ McCarthy
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- Former MN Vikings DB Gushes Over JJ McCarthy
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
We still have a few months before the Minnesota Vikings start gathering at TCO Performance Center in Eagan for post-draft, then summer workouts. That means they'll have to wait a while before getting to know most of their new teammates, of which there are plenty .
But for now, if you are one of the many NFL players changing teams this offseason, it's difficult to escape conversations involving former teammates or questions about your old team. Former Vikings safety Cam Bynum found that out Thursday, when he joined NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" as one of a few guest co-hosts for the network's most popular show.
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Cam was drafted in the 4th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Vikings, where he played the first four seasons of his career, including 2024, with their No. 10 overall pick from last year's draft, JJ McCarthy. It's the only season they'll play together, after Bynum signed a four year, $60 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts .
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
For the entirety of Thursday's GMFB episode, Bynum came off as a genuine, well-spoken, smart dude who has a career waiting for him in media, should he decide to go that route once his playing career is over.
But for now, Cam is just 25 years old and not thinking about the end of his career, which look to be just getting started. On Thursday, however, before he turns his focus to his new team, Cam Bynum was mostly asked questions about his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, and his old teammates.
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Cam Bynum really impressed by JJ McCarthy
At least one of the questions thrown Bynum's way this morning was in reference to JJ McCarthy, and his thoughts on the redshirt rookie, after being a his teammate for one injury-riddled season. Instead of giving a generic answer, Bynum opened up and let the other panelists, along with those watching, in on how JJ's teammates viewed him behind the scenes over the last year.
"He's a maniac when it comes to football overall." @Cambeezy_ on J.J. McCarthy taking over as the @Vikings QB1 pic.twitter.com/jhXZ5UUbdY
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) March 20, 2025
"I trust him. I trust JJ [McCarthy] as a leader, first and foremost. The way that — even though when he came in, he was still a young guy, still competing with Sam — but the way that he carried himself, just as a leader. But also still following the right way and still listening and humbling himself to learn from the other guys.
But one thing that stood out to me from him — As soon as he got in, he was throwing that ball. He was a gunslinger in practice. 1st and 10, just you know ,simple concept, and he's throwing the deep ball. He's trying to fire downfield and that's something I respected out of a rookie.
And then going forward, after his injury, [McCarthy's] sitting there in the defensive team meeting room with us, trying to learn any way he can. So he's kind of a maniac, when it comes to football, overall. The way that he carried himself while he was hurt, I can only imagine how how he'll carry himself when he's healthy.
When they give him the keys to the program, to be able to go and just carry himself as that leader. [When] they let him know, 'you're the guy, we're rolling with you'. So I think JJ is going to grow, and that's somebody, like I said, that I can trust."
If Cam Bynum never plays football in a Minnesota Vikings uniform again, I will not only be thankful for the great play he provided our Vikings, but also this parting gift he left that is sure to get the fanbase even more excited about this team's future at QB. Now, it's up to JJ to prove Bynum and the rest of his supporters right, but taking the starting job this offseason and never giving it back… for the next 10-20 years.
Minnesota Vikings turning over roster this offseason
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn't stopped wheeling and dealing since the opening bell rang on NFL free agency last week. Gone are 2024 contributors LT Cam Robinson ( Texans ), C Garrett Bradbury ( Patriots ), G Ed Ingram (Texans) and aforementioned safety, Cam Bynum (Colts).
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In their place, the Vikings have upgraded at center and right guard, with the signings of former Colts Ryan Kelly and Will Fries . They also beefed up the defensive interior, landing DT Jonathan Allen and DT Javon Hargrave .
Related: Minnesota Vikings Done Shopping for Safeties?
And let's not forget about the talent they retained in the defensive secondary, with S Harrison Smith and CB Byron Murphy Jr . On offense, the were able to bring back RB Aaron Jones . They also swung a trade for talented young 49ers running back, Jordan Mason .
What they are not reportedly doing is pursuing Aaron Rodgers (at least for now). Instead, they are preparing to hand the QB1 keys over to JJ McCarthy. And if you ask Cam Bynum, he'll tell you that's probably a pretty good plan.
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