J.J. McCarthy or J.J. Marley?

Michigan quarterback (QB) J.J. McCarthy is showing off more of his personality with his newest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.

The national championship-winning (QB) posted several videos on his social media endorsing “Bob Marley: One Love,” a new film currently in theaters.

The 21-year-old shared how Marley has been an inspiration throughout his college football career.

“Bob’s music really influenced my career because it’s become part of my pregame routine,” McCarthy said in the video. “‘Jamming,’ one that comes on, I feel centered, I’m balanced. Everything about that song sets me up for success on the field.”

How McCarthy clears his mind

McCarthy has been engaging in meditation and relaxation techniques since his freshman year at Michigan.

According to ABC 13 On Your Side, McCarthy struggled with depression in high school and found meditation to be the best medicine.

“I was in a deep rest for myself, always studying all these athletes, studying their mindsets, trying to adopt them in every way to forge the ultimate mindset as a competitor,” McCarthy said. “I just kept stemming further and further away from myself and my true nature and I feel like I was in a deep rut for about a month or two and I was like, something’s gotta change, like this isn’t who I am,” McCarthy stated.

However, after he learned more about his mental health, McCarthy’s life was transformed.

“I started looking up different practices to help improve mental health and meditation was the first one that kept popping up and I just gave it a try and then the rest was history,” said the QB.

Now, he says he takes 30-45 minutes each morning to breathe and slow everything down. Then, once he arrives at games, he sits under the goalpost and takes another 10 minutes to relax.

“I feel like that 10-minute one is the most important one because it just locks me in before my time is needed,” McCarthy says.

Like Marley, McCarthy has also been public about his beliefs. Many of his Instagram posts are about love, peace, and unity. Specifically, a few include quotes by musical icons, philosophers, and spiritual leaders like Jimi Hendrix, Seneca, and Ram Dass.

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Meditating and activism aren’t the only reasons he was chosen to endorse the movie. McCarthy is a huge fan of the singer. He even named his dog, “Marley” after the musical legend.

“He was just this positive, vibrant dog,” he described his pup. “Definitely living up to his name, that’s for sure.”

McCarthy even has an Instagram account with over 30,000 followers dedicated to his furry friend.

Some fans don’t seem to understand McCarthy’s hobby while others think it is very admirable. All that matters, though, is how coaches feel about him as he has officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

No one knows where the national champion QB will end up. However, I think it’s safe to say that wherever he does, he will continue to be inspired by Bob Marley.

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.