J.J. McCarthy 'Was Told Not To Do' Griddy TD Dance, Vikings HC Reacts amid Criticism

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy defied his head coach's orders when he Griddy'd his way into the end zone in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

McCarthy started his celebration early when he walked in a touchdown run in the second quarter.

"I did it in practice, and I was told not to do it," he said in reference to the dance. "So, just me being who I am, it's like, 'Oh, now I'm more enticed to do it.' But if it's that open, obviously just get in the end zone no matter what -- and be coachable and do what my coach says. So yeah, I'll definitely get a minus [grade] for that."

When it came to McCarthy's bootleg, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said even he wasn't sure whether the QB had actually handed the ball off to running back Jordan Mason. He made a point to voice his qualms about the touchdown celebration, though.

"The finish, I would not classify as special," the coach said. "It was entertaining. I guess we are in the entertainment business, but I would've preferred him to show that 40 time that he likes to talk about having never run, his 40 coming out [of college], which was unique, to say the least. But as a guy who once ran a fast 40 and couldn't throw it very well, I can probably understand why quarterbacks are choosing to do that these days."

O'Connell will broadly be happy with McCarthy's performance. The first-year starter went 15-of-24 for 250 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

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The postgame comments from coach and player could overshadow what happened on the field, though.

One could posit McCarthy was displaying the playful swagger that's basically required to be a good quarterback in the NFL. Also, he's far from the first to push the bounds with his coach.

A more critical perspective is that the 22-year-old hasn't built up the kind of equity that's required to openly defy his head coach, even in a lighthearted manner. And O'Connell was clearly a little irked.

If the Vikings keep winning and McCarthy plays well, then this will likely be totally forgotten. Should the 2024 first-round pick regress, fans will be back to having conversations about whether he's truly the long-term solution. And O'Connell's postgame remarks will look more ominous as well.