The Village of La Grange Park is ready to cheer on its hometown football star JJ McCarthy as he awaits his selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"There’s a buzz in the community within the school here,” football coach Tim Racki told NBC Chicago. "Everybody is just excited—it’s been quite the celebration."
McCarthy played football at Nazareth Academy for three years. His former head coach said he has known McCarthy since he was a little kid and described him as a shining light for their program and community.
"Since he’s been here, he’s made me and the school so proud. Not just because of his arm and his quarterback talents. He’s such a great kid off the field, which everyone has been hearing in the media," he said. "It’s all true. He's sincere; he's been like that since he's been a little kid."
All eyes will be on McCarthy and where he falls in the NFL Draft Thursday night. Racki will be with McCarthy and his family in Michigan for that life-changing phone call.
"I’m hoping the Vikings, selfishly," he said. "I think they have a great team there, and it would be a nice transition. I think the coach there, Coach [Kevin] O'Connell, will make the transition smooth for him.”
Racki is proud of McCarthy and what he’s been able to accomplish. He showed us pictures of them winning the 2018 state title together and getting a chance to watch McCarthy win the 2024 national title with University of Michigan.
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He said McCarthy is the real deal and knows his success will continue in the NFL regardless of where he lands.
"He’s an easy kid to cheer for," he said. "Not just because he’s a great quarterback. Because of the legacy that he left here, for the service that he did in the community when he was here, how he treated kids after games. He worked my youth camp and he was amazing."
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Nazareth Academy is hosting a draft watch party at 6 p.m. Thursday to cheer on McCarthy at Stadium Club at the Max in McCook.
