Michigan’s QB J.J. McCarthy affirms the wisdom of five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant’s impactful words about metaphorically tearing hearts out, expressing agreement with a concise endorsement: “Couldn’t have said it better bean.”
J.J. McCarthy, who guided the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship last month, is now gearing up for the NFL draft with aspirations of securing a first-round selection. While the college football environment is increasingly mirroring the professional realm, McCarthy acknowledges the enduring importance of maintaining a balance between on-field performance and personal life.
The late Kobe Bryant emphasized the significance of equilibrium, stating, “You have to make sure that you balance your life out … And then on the basketball court just rip hearts out.” McCarthy recently affirmed this sentiment in an Instagram post, expressing agreement with Bryant’s words: “Couldn’t have said it better bean.”
McCarthy’s adherence to meditation serves as a key component in sustaining this balance, fostering calmness and mental clarity. Adopting this practice during high school, McCarthy has integrated meditation into both his pregame and morning routines. Reflecting on the positive impact of meditation, he notes its ability to elevate his perspective and responses on the football field.
As McCarthy concludes his collegiate journey with two consecutive college football playoff appearances and an undefeated national championship in his final year, he now transitions to the NFL draft alongside a formidable quarterback class featuring talents like Caleb Williams, Jaylen Daniels, and Drake Maye. Assessments from The Draft Network and NFL Draft Buzz position McCarthy as the 6th-best quarterback in the class, projecting a potential second-round selection.
While his immediate destination remains uncertain, McCarthy could find himself drafted by a team not in immediate need of a starting quarterback but seeking a young prospect for future succession. Potential landing spots include the Denver Broncos (to succeed Russell Wilson), the Los Angeles Rams (as a successor to Matthew Stafford), or even the Atlanta Falcons as insurance if Desmond Ridder encounters challenges.
