J.J. McCarthy is widely expected to be one of the top quarterbacks drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft after a CFP National Championship-winning season with the Michigan Wolverines.
Born in La Grange Park, Ill., McCarthy attended Nazareth Academy for high school before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., in 2020 as a senior once Nazareth’s football season got shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his lone season at IMG, McCarthy led them to an 8-0 record and a consensus high school football national championship.
As a five-star recruit, McCarthy’s winning pedigree followed him to the Michigan Wolverines despite growing up as a lifelong Ohio State fan. McCarthy famously said that Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day “lied to his face” by recruiting Kyle McCord, so McCarthy decided to enroll with the rival Wolverines.
But behind every rising athletic talent is a strong support staff, so let’s get to meet McCarthy’s parents.
A Look at J.J. McCarthy’s Parents
McCarthy was born on Jan. 20, 2003, to Jim and Megan McCarthy. They’ve raised three children together and both had their own athletic careers.
Getting To Know McCarthy’s Father Jim
Jim McCarthy, J.J.’s father, has some history with the game of football in his own right. He was a running back at Riverside Brookfield High School in Illinois. He went on to play football and baseball at Lake Park College.
Jim’s passion for the gridiron extended into his adult life, spending time as a youth football coach. Jim also spent time as the director of Lyons Football Club, an organization that provides an opportunity for children from Brookfield and Riverside to play football and participate in cheerleading.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Jim is also a leader of fundraisers for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for Children with Cancer in La Grange.
Getting To Know McCarthy’s Mother Megan
Megan McCarthy, J.J.’s mother, has her own athletic achievements as an accomplished figure skater. According to the Chicago Tribune, Megan tried to pass on her abilities by putting J.J. in skates at a young age.
KEEP READING: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
J.J. was a very skilled hockey player growing up and it is said to be his first love, but he decided to quit and focus on football once scholarships started coming in. He has said that quitting hockey was one of the hardest decisions of his life.
The McCarthys are Chicago Blackhawks fans, and both Megan and Jim believe that hockey is the most beneficial sport for children to play growing up.
Does McCarthy Have Any Siblings?
J.J. is one of three siblings raised by Jim and Megan.
His sisters are named Morgan and Caitlin, but there’s not too much public information about them.
Draft with your friends today! PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator now supports multiple drafters during the same draft! Find out how the PFN Scouting Department ranks this year’s prospects with our 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and follow along throughout the draft with our NFL team needs tracker.
Thanks for the article. Jim McCarthy played at North Park, not Lake Park. He was a North Park Viking. Good luck to J.J. as Minnesota Viking.