JJ McCarthy’s inaugural NFL season was cut short before it even began.
On Wednesday, McCarthy underwent surgery for a torn meniscus, which will sideline him through the 2024 season. He was projected to be a strong contender for the Vikings’ starting quarterback position after being selected 10th overall in the NFL Draft.
(Related: JJ McCarthy and Other Significant NFL Injuries That Will Impact 2024 Season)
McCarthy’s situation is rare for a first-round rookie quarterback. According to CBS Sports, he is the first quarterback since the 1967 merger to miss his entire rookie season due to injury.
However, McCarthy isn’t alone in these challenges. Many athletes have had to delay their professional debuts, but have since thrived in their careers. Here are some notable NFL and NBA players of the 21st century who have made impressive comebacks after missing their rookie seasons due to injuries.
- Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)
The potential impact of Etienne’s rookie season remains a topic of speculation. Drafted 25th overall by the Jaguars in 2021, he was expected to reunite with his college quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. Etienne was initially set to be a wide receiver, but a preseason injury to Lisfranc during a game sidelined him for the year. After recovering, he returned to his role as a running back, accumulating over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
- Jaylon Smith, left back, Dallas Cowboys (2016)
Smith’s draft prospects took a hit after a serious knee injury in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl. Despite this, the Cowboys selected him early in the second round. Smith missed his entire rookie season, but has since become a key player for the Cowboys, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2019.
- Chad Greenway, left back, Minnesota Vikings (2006)
Greenway tore his ACL in his first preseason game, delaying his debut by a year. He eventually became a key defensive player for the Vikings, earning two Pro Bowl selections in a decade-long career.
- Michael Porter Jr., forward, Denver Nuggets (2018-19)
Porter’s college career was marred by back problems, which caused him to be drafted as low as 14th overall. He missed his entire rookie season due to surgery, but later became a key part of the Nuggets’ roster, helping lead the team to an NBA championship.
- Ben Simmons, point guard, Philadelphia 76ers (2016-17)
Simmons’s foot injury delayed his NBA debut by a year. He bounced back to win NBA Rookie of the Year and made several All-Star appearances, though his career has faced challenges since.
- Chet Holmgren, midfielder, Oklahoma City Thunder (2022-23)
After missing what would have been his rookie season due to a foot injury, Holmgren played a full season, contributing significantly to the Thunder’s success.
- Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo Bills (2003)
McGahee’s serious college injury forced him to go down in the draft, but he still managed to carve out a brilliant NFL career, earning numerous Pro Bowl selections.
- Blake Griffin, midfielder, Los Angeles Clippers (2009-10)
Griffin’s rookie season was delayed by a knee injury, but he returned to shine, winning Rookie of the Year honors and becoming a key figure in the Clippers’ resurgence.
- Joel Embiid, midfielder, Philadelphia 76ers (2014-16)
Despite missing two seasons with a foot injury, Embiid has become one of the NBA’s best players, winning the MVP Award and numerous All-NBA honors.
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs coach (2013)
Kelce played very little in his rookie season due to a knee injury, but has since become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, contributing to numerous Super Bowl appearances for the Chiefs.
