Is J.J. McCarthy the New GOAT?

One of the most accomplished names in football history is recruiting some of the most talked about prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft for his personal brand. University of Michigan quarterback, J.J. McCarthy is one of the newest ambassadors for Michigan alumni and seven-time Super Bowl winner, Tom Brady’s apparel brand, BRADY.

Created in 2021, the former Patriots’ company includes performance wear, lounge apparel, and accessories, all “Built to move, breathe, and sweat while you compete, live, and recover,” the brand says.

Recently, the company launched its Brady X Michigan series involving seven of the university’s best athletes across four sports. The brand posted videos of different athletes in an effort to learn more about these individuals’ mindsets and what it takes to be one of Michigan’s leading athletes.

Other than McCarthy, the brand recruited defensive back and team captain Mike Sainristil, linebacker Junior Colson, and tight end Colston Loveland from the football team. Also part of the deal is basketball player, Tarris Reed Jr., gymnast, Sierra Brooks, and hockey player, Rutger McGroarty.

“Each individual embodies the Brady Mindset and has a deep appreciation for what it means to be a Wolverine”, BRADY writes in an Instagram post.

McCarthy’s meaning of great

McCarthy was the first to share his thoughts on Brady and what greatness means to him.

When asked what comes to mind when he hears the name, Tom Brady, McCarthy says, “Defying the odds.”

“He proved to everyone that you can do it even though you aren’t the biggest, strongest, fastest, you can be one of the best.”

“What greatness means to me is being the absolute best version of yourself so you can inspire others to be the best versions of themselves”, McCarthy says. “If everyone just strives to be the best they can possibly be, the world’s gonna be a better place- and that’s greatness to me.”

“The starting QB for the Michigan Wolverines, JJ leads by example and epitomizes the team first mentality,” BRADY says. “Wise beyond his years, he is on a mission to make the world a better place by being the best version of himself.”

Why McCarthy is a perfect fit

During the Wolverines 41-13 win against Purdue on November 4, McCarthy passed Brady in career-passing yards at the University of Michigan.

Reporters asked McCarthy what he thought of this accomplishment after the game.

“Obviously it feels great but that’s just milestones that you collect along the way of just working as hard as you can every day and trying to get 1% better every day,” the quarterback stated. “All credit goes to Tom and all the others that wore the winged helmet before me and just being able to look up to those guys and try to follow in their shoes has been tremendous and it’s a great honor but we’re just focused on the end goal.”

Brady picked the right guy at the right time to represent his brand. Michigan is having an extraordinary season this year and partnering with Wolverines when they are 11-0 is great publicity for the brand and the athletes.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.