J.J. McCarthy won't wear his usual No. 9 on the New York Giants.
The 23-year-old quarterback, whom the Minnesota Vikings traded to the Giants on Monday, is switching to No. 18, according to his new team's website.
JJ McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) to wear #18 for the Giants.
— QBgami (@QBgami) September 29, 2026
Doubling down on Nine. Ball in your court, @jjmccarthy18. pic.twitter.com/iuTPRDmAwG
Tight end Isaiah Likely currently wears No. 9 for the Giants. McCarthy had worn that number since his college tenure at Michigan.
The former top-10 pick went viral last season after leading the Vikings to a divisional victory and later crediting his intensity and leadership to his gameday persona, "Nine."
McCarthy led Michigan to a national title during the 2023 season but hasn't been able to establish himself as an NFL starter. He's appeared in 10 games since entering the league, passing for 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.
