Ex-Nazareth Academy Player Recruited To NFL

LA GRANGE PARK, IL – Former Nazareth Academy football player JJ McCarthy on Thursday was the 10th pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the school reported. The Minnesota Vikings selected him.

McCarthy is the second NFL draft pick from Nazareth Academy, the school said.

McCarthy, of La Grange Park, entered Nazareth Academy in fall 2017. The school said he led the Roadrunners to the state finals in 2018 and 2019. That resulted in a Class 7A state title in 2018 and a Class 7A runner-up finish in 2019. Because of the pandemic, the 2020 football season was canceled.

According to the school, McCarthy took honors courses and consistently achieved honor roll recognition. He volunteered as a "buddy" for the academy's FISH Prom for Teens with Disabilities.

McCarthy attended college at the University of Michigan, earning an NCAA national championship this year.

"What truly separates JJ is his ability to connect with and lead his teammates. His selflessness, grit and team-first attitude influenced the entire football program during his tenure at Nazareth," Nazareth head coach Tim Racki said in the school's news release. "Off of the field, JJ was a model student-athlete. He excelled in the classroom and treated all of his classmates with respect and kindness."