The Minnesota Vikings dropkicked the Detroit Lions, who were coming out of their bye week, at Ford Field on Sunday, and quarterback JJ McCarthy had a bit of fun with his vanquished opponents in the game’s aftermath.
McCarthy took to Instagram on Monday, November 3, and posted a four-word message that served as a joke/troll at the Lions’ expense.
“Knee caps are intact,” McCarthy captioned the post, which was a series of photographs from the Vikings-Lions contest.
The quarterback’s comments were a wink to a now rather infamous press conference that Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave in January of 2021 when Detroit announced him as its new leader.
Here’s what I do know, that this team is going to take on the identity of this city. And this city’s been down, and it found a way to get up. It’s found a way to overcome adversity. So this team’s going to be built on, we’re going to kick you in the teeth, all right? And when you punch us back, we’re going to smile at you, and when you knock us down, we’re going to get up. And on the way up, we’re going to bite a kneecap off.
And we’re going to stand up, and then it’s going to take two more shots to knock us down. And on the way up, we’re going to take your other kneecap, and we’re going to get up, and then it’s going to take three shots to get us down. And when we do, we’re going to take another hunk out of you. Before long, we’re going to be the last one standing. That’s going to be the mentality.
JJ McCarthy Was Hero of Vikings’ Crucial Road Win in Detroit
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
McCarthy deserves to walk around with swagger after besting the Lions in the state of Michigan, where the now 22-year-old quarterback attended college and led the Wolverines to a national championship.
He returned to the area over the weekend after missing five games (six weeks) with a high-ankle sprain, and did so to considerable questions about his readiness for the NFL spotlight after struggling through seven of the eight quarters he played in the team’s first two games of 2025 to kick off his professional career.
McCarthy completed 14-of-25 pass attempts for 143 yards, two TDs and one INT. He also rushed for a score and made a crucial third-down conversion on a pass to wide receiver Jalen Nailor late in the fourth quarter to seal the three-point victory.
JJ McCarthy Says Vikings Playing With Different Energy Now
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Following the game, McCarthy spoke about a new energy in Minnesota following its 3-4 start to the year, something the team is desperately going to need as it faces the toughest schedule in the league coming down the final 10-game stretch, which included playing on the road against the Lions over the weekend.
“Obviously, a lot of excitement … and I’m just so proud of the guys,” McCarthy told Tom Rinaldi of FOX Sports during a postgame interview. “We fought, we had a different energy this week, a different level of focus. But there’s a lot more we can clean up.”
“We haven’t reached our potential,” McCarthy continued. “We haven’t even gotten close yet.”
Josh Simmons Reflects on Absence: ‘Time Away Gave Me Perspective, Now I’m Focused and Ready’
Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive tackle Josh Simmons has returned to the field with a renewed sense of purpose after spending some time away from the team. While his absence was unplanned, Simmons reflects on it as a valuable time for growth and perspective. Now back on the team, Simmons is more motivated than ever to contribute to the Chiefs’ success.
“Being away wasn’t ideal, but it gave me perspective,” Simmons said. “There’s nothing more important than family, and the time I took to handle personal matters was necessary. But now that I’m back, I’m bringing a new sense of gratitude and focus. I’ve gained clarity on how much this game, this team, and this opportunity mean to me. Every practice, every snap from here on out, I’m showing up for my teammates, for my family, and for myself.”
Simmons’ absence wasn’t a break he had planned for, but it gave him a chance to reflect on his priorities and the impact he has both on and off the field. With personal matters behind him, he is now fully focused on his role with the Chiefs, determined to make up for lost time and lead the offensive line with unwavering commitment.
“For me, it’s about getting back to work,” Simmons continued. “I’ve been reminded that there’s a bigger picture to everything we do, and I’m going to make every moment count. I’m not just here to play—I’m here to contribute in a meaningful way, and I’m going to bring that energy every day.”
Simmons’ commitment is a sign of his maturity and the leadership qualities he brings to the Chiefs. His focus and energy are crucial, especially as the Chiefs continue their push for another Super Bowl run. The offensive line, led by Simmons, plays a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and opening up lanes for the running game.
With Simmons back and fully focused, the Chiefs’ offensive line is poised to be stronger than ever. As the team looks to contend for the postseason, Simmons’ leadership, combined with his fresh perspective, could be the spark the Chiefs need to take their game to the next level.
“We’ve got a great group here,” Simmons added. “This team is all about resilience, and I’m excited to get back out there and do my part. I’m here to make an impact, and I’m ready to give everything I’ve got for this team and for this city.”
The Chiefs are gearing up for a tough second half of the season, and Simmons’ return couldn’t come at a better time. His newfound clarity, focus, and determination could play a key role in driving the Chiefs towards another deep playoff run.
As he continues to rebuild chemistry with his teammates, Simmons is committed to delivering for the team and showing that his time away has only made him a stronger and more driven player. The Chiefs will need every ounce of his skill and leadership if they are to succeed in the high-stakes games ahead.
