J.J. McCarthy’s latest quarterback change wasn’t about mechanics or matchups. It was about a tradition tied to an old rivalry that still seems to follow him.
After looking sharp in his first start for the New York Giants on Sunday, a 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans, McCarthy explained why he left off the heavy eye-paint that fans have associated with him since his Michigan days. The third-year pro completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, and the Giants are seeing a different version of him since he arrived from the Minnesota Vikings via trade.
But the eye-black wasn’t just a style choice. McCarthy said it was connected to Ohio State, Michigan’s biggest rival, and to Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who played for the Buckeyes.
McCarthy has long treated game day like a switch flips. He told ESPN last year: “I kind of make this switch when game day happens,” McCarthy told ESPN last year about the look.
“That’s when the war paint comes on. It’s like I’m ready to die on that field, and I’m ready to do anything possible to get that win.
It’s not going to look pretty, and it’s not going to look like someone just did my makeup for Halloween. It’s war paint.”
On Tuesday, he dug into the reason the look stayed off against Houston.
“Yeah, it is a little corny,” McCarthy said on Tuesday about not wearing eye black against Houston, via The Athletic. “Don’t get me wrong, but … you know, I guess I’m a corny guy.
I took it personal in high school, growing up an Ohio State fan, like a die-hard Ohio State fan. I had the comforter, had the Fatheads, everything.
And (it was) just a little disappointing situation. (So) at the end of the day, that’s just something that I’ll continue against all Buckeyes.”
He also made clear the grudge isn’t aimed at Stroud himself.
“I love C.J., too. He’s my guy, and you know, wish him nothing but success,” McCarthy said before confirming the eye black will return to his cheeks when the Giants play again in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Yeah, it’s strictly just for like C.J., for sure. Maybe Kyle McCord … unless Ryan Day comes up to the NFL.
But at the end of the day, it’s just a Michigan-Ohio State thing. That’s really all it is.”
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