When new signings backfire
There is usually a new wave of optimism when a team signs a new player. Often bedlam when world class talent is added to the roster. In soccer, the recent unveiling of Kylian Mbappé, soccer’s biggest superstar right now, was witnessed by a packed-out stadium and beyond, to see the Frenchman wave at the passionate Real Madrid crowd and do a few soccer tricks. More cases than less, such signings prove to be a very astute piece of business and a statement to the rest of the league, even the world.
However, in some cases, promise turns quickly to despair as a new signing gets injured before even debuting. That is the case with JJ McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the recent 2024 NFL draft. The quarterback signed by the Minnesota Vikings to replace the outgoing Kirk Cousins, who joined the Atlanta Falcons over the offseason, picked up a serious meniscus injury on his preseason debut that will rule him out for the entirety of his rookie season in the NFL.
For the Vikings, the injury leaves them in a desperate situation with many hopes pinned on McCarthy. Minnesota’s already slim hopes of winning the Super Bowl took a greater hit with sportsbooks around the country after news of the injury broke out, but you can also bet here and see how the Vikings fare in McCarthy’s absence.
Unwanted history
It seems Sam Darnold will be the starting quarterback for the upcoming campaign, but Minnesota’s draft plans went up in smoke as soon as the diagnosis on McCarthy’s injury was confirmed. Unfortunately, the Michigan graduate has set an unwanted piece of NFL history. The season-ending injury means McCarthy is the first ever first-round quarterback draft pick to miss the entirety of his debut season. There have been instances when quarterbacks have not played as a result of being backup to another quarterback, but McCarthy sets an unwanted record for first round picks.
Other injured rookies
Although McCarthy’s injury was a first for quarterbacks in the NFL, there are many other instances of sports players getting injured before they could get started.
Blake Griffin (LA Clippers, NBA)
There was a lot of hype surrounding Blake Griffin, which culminated in him being the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NBA draft.The LA Clippers were delighted with their new acquisition but that all turned sour when a leg injury ruled Griffin out for his whole rookie season. However, the injury only made Griffin more determined, and he stormed back to win the Rookie of the Year award in the 2010/11 season, achieving double-digit points in points and rebounds.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers, NBA)
The gold medalist from the most recent Olympic Games in Parishad a torrid time after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the third pick in 2014. Embiid’s selection in the all-stars Olympic team proves his stature in the game as one of the best players in the NBA but his career with the 76ers got off to a terrible start. Embiid missed two consecutive rookie seasons with foot injuries, but much like Blake Griffin, he too came back stronger, and the rest of history is golden.
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