Vikings' J.J. McCarthy Kept a 'GOAT Book' on Brady, Jordan, Kobe, Ali in High School

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drew inspiration from some of sports' greatest legends while dreaming of an NFL career in high school.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis spoke with Jim McCarthy, J.J.'s father, who shared what the first-round pick called his "GOAT book." Lewis described the tome as "a journal where J.J. jots down inspirational messages."

New England Patriots legend Tom Brady, basketball Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, and Muhammad Ali were among the luminaries McCarthy had taken note of.

McCarthy's off-field studies went well beyond taking broad lessons from those who came before him. Lewis wrote he had a whiteboard in his room in high school on which he'd make notes about opposing defenses.

The former Michigan star said on Big Ten Network's The Journey he knew as early as the fifth grade he not only wanted to play in the NFL but also "wanted to be the greatest football player I could possibly be." He has worked toward achieving that goal ever since.

McCarthy's legacy on the gridiron is yet to be determined, but there's no disputing with his success so far. He was a 5-star recruit in high school and went on to have a decorated career with the Wolverines, one that included a national championship last season.

Now, the 21-year-old faces his biggest challenge as Minnesota's franchise quarterback.

For now, McCarthy is being positioned as the backup to Sam Darnold, but it's only a matter of time before he's handed the keys to the offense. How he performs in the role will go a long way toward shaping the Vikings' Super Bowl hopes.