J.J. McCarthy: The master of the zen-zone

December 31, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a pass during
December 31, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a pass during / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY
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Michigan’s starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy has proven he’s skilled at more than just slinging the football downfield. In his two playoff appearances this season, McCarthy has shown he’s pretty adept at meditation too.

In moments when fans assume players may be at their most stressed, this Wolverine can be found with his legs crossed, eyes closed, and shoes off underneath the goalpost.

Leading up to the College Football Playoffs National Championship game, McCarthy was spotted in a hoodie and his socks, in his usual pregame spot.

McCarthy was also found meditating like this leading up to Michigan’s semifinal game against Alabama at the Rose Bowl.

The young player shared with The Athletic that what he’s listening to is similar to white noise, at 963 hertz, and is also known as the “frequency of God.”

“It does some things I can’t even really describe,” McCarthy said.

According to the article from the Athletic, McCarthy started his meditation practice in high school.

In the ESPN pregame show, Desmond Howard, former Michigan wide receiver, shared that he too meditated while on the Wolverine’s roster – even to the point where he could fall asleep before big games.

Fans, for both Michigan and Washington, will have to wait and see if McCarthy is on the right frequency to bring the CFP Championship Trophy back to Ann Arbor.