As expected, Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy will be heading to the 2024 NFL Draft after leading the Wolverines to a national title last season.
He expressed that by writing a long and emotional farewell message to everyone in Ann Arbor and everyone who supports Michigan football.
“After three great years at the University of Michigan, I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL Draft,” McCarthy said in a statement.
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Michigan Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy celebrates victory in the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies on January 8, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston. (Mark J. Revillas-USA Today Sports)
“I have talked to many people inside and outside of the football world, including my family and Coach Harbaugh, whose opinions I greatly respect and respect. This decision was not easy and I am not sure why I would do it.” I love my teammates, I love my coaches, I love my teammates.'' I love this place in Ann Arbor. ”
McCarthy went on to elaborate on what his journey at Michigan State meant to him, saying, “It's almost impossible to explain in words what this university and my time here has meant to me. ” he said. So he decided to divide it into his three sections, starting with “My Faith.”
“I have always believed in a higher power. When I first stepped into Schembechler Hall, I knew this was where I was destined to be. I have always lived in the moment and “I have tried to take it one day at a time. Some days have not gone as expected, but I have believed each day that the next day will be better,” he wrote.
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Next, McCarthy's longest section was “My Family,” where he said, “I am so happy to be surrounded by the most supportive and loving parents in the world.”
“Thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything you have done for me and our family. To my wonderful sisters, Caitlin and Morgan, I love you and thank you for everything you have given me. Thank you for all your support,” McCarthy continued.
He also expressed his gratitude to his current fiancée, Katia, who he has been with since high school. The Associated Press reported that McCarthy proposed to his longtime girlfriend shortly before entering the NFL.
Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy watches during warmups before the national championship game against Washington on January 8, 2024 in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
“You are my soulmate, my best friend, and my rock,” he said. “I am so happy to be your partner now and always. I am so excited to continue our journey together.”
The final members of McCarthy's family are “Team 144,” or all of his Wolverines teammates.
“We have a lot of love for each other and that will never go away,” he explained. “We accomplished a lot on the field, but I remember just as much what we did off the field. It was an honor to be your QB and your teammate!”
At the end, McCarthy addressed Wolverines fans.
“As I have said before, the University of Michigan is the greatest university in the world,” he wrote. “I felt the love and support from you every time I came out of the tunnel to see over 100,000 people in the maize and blue. I felt it when we beat Ohio State for the third time and won the Big Ten Championship. I felt it when we won the Rose Bowl three times, and of course when we won the national championship, and then last night when we celebrated at Chrysler.
“All I can say is, thank you. Thank you for believing in us, for believing in me, and for all you do for this great university.”
Jim Harbaugh called McCarthy the best quarterback in Michigan history. This comes after he totaled 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions in his final season with the program, for a completion percentage of 72.3 percent. He continued in 2022 with 22 touchdowns and 2,719 yards in 14 games.
JJ McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in overtime at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
While many have speculated about what McCarthy's game will be like in the NFL, there is no doubt that he has proven to seize opportunities in key moments throughout his college career.
A prime example of this was the Rose Bowl against Alabama, where McCarthy led a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime. The Wolverines scored quickly in overtime, and their star-studded defense held off Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe on his fourth goal, clinching a berth in the national title game.
McCarthy didn't have to do much against the Washington Huskies in Houston, throwing just 10 of 18 for 140 yards in a 34-13 beatdown that clinched the title for his team. was.
Some are pegging McCarthy as a first-round draft pick this April, while others are pushing it a little later. This quarterback class is expected to be one to remember, as the likes of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Heisman winner Jaden Daniels have declared.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy celebrates with a rose after winning the 110th Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena. (Keith Birmingham/Media News Group/Pasadena Star News via Getty Images)
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No matter where McCarthy lands, he will always remember the program that got him to this position in the first place.
“Now and always, GO BLUE!” the statement concluded.
