SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michigan sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy has gotten a ton of attention for what he’s done on the field in his first year as a starter for the Wolverines.
But his contributions off the field are even more impressive.
McCarthy announced that his foundation has donated more than $30,000 to charities since he got to Michigan.
“For me, I just have such an amazing opportunity and I’m so blessed to be in the position that I’m in,” said McCarthy. “Just being able to give back and being able to pay forward to the next generation to be able to show them someone making a positive change in the world is my internal drive and being able to make this world a better place at the end of the day.”
McCarthy has donated to charities in his hometown of Chicago and in Ann Arbor. On top of that, he’s given money to children’s hospitals in every road city the Wolverines have traveled to the last two years.
On the field, McCarthy has given the Wolverines a new skillset at the quarterback position and he’s taken his game to a new level during the biggest games of the season.
They’ve relied heavily on their strong running game, but when McCarthy had to step up at Ohio State, he answered the call.
“I get so excited with moments like that and opportunities that I can capitalize on,” said McCarthy.
McCarthy was one of the players that stood on the field after the loss to Georgia in the semifinal game last year and soaked in the moment. He wanted to remember that feeling and he feels like the experience they got last year will help this this year.
“We’ve been here before,” said McCarthy. “We know there are a lot of things that could distract us from the task at hand. We’re taking it much more as a business trip instead of a vacation-feel like it was in Miami last year.”
McCarthy and Michigan will take on TCU in the Fiesta Bowl Saturday in Arizona at 4 p.m. ET.