J.J. McCarthy Fined by NFL for Taunting After Viral Video, How Much Did Play Cost Vikings QB?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was fined this week for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he committed during the team's season-closing, 16-3 win over the Green Bay Packers last weekend.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the league fined McCarthy $11,593 after he was flagged for taunting Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon:

McCarthy lowered his shoulder and made contact with Nixon while running to the sidelines on a scramble early in the first quarter. The second-year quarterback followed it up with some trash talk, which drew the flag.

Minnesota selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but he missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.

McCarthy entered the 2025 season as the Vikings' starter, though, after Sam Darnold left in free agency to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.

Various injuries cost McCarthy seven games this season, but in the 10 games he did start, he posted a 6-4 record and completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns.

McCarthy had his fair share of ups and downs throughout the season, but he ended it on a high note by winning each of his final four starts. He also accounted for seven total touchdowns and only two picks during that stretch.

▶️ Full Packers-Vikings Recap

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In the win over Green Bay last weekend, McCarthy went 14-of-23 for 182 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Most importantly, the victory clinched a winning record for the Vikes, as they finished 9-8.

While missing the playoffs was a disappointment after going 14-3 in 2024, the Vikings and McCarthy did some good things down the stretch to potentially set themselves up for success in 2026.