Todd Swank: The JJ McCarthy Era Begins—May the Odds Be Ever in Our Favor

August 9, 2025

The JJ McCarthy Era Begins—May the Odds Be Ever in Our Favor

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for August 9, 2025

Thursday night, Miss Sheri and I hit the grand opening of Hop House Brewery—a place so slick it’s basically waiting for Minnesota to legalize sports betting so it can become the state’s Vegas annex. Until then, it’s a killer bar with wall-to-wall sports screens, a stage big enough for a rock show, and a floor just begging for questionable dance decisions. I can’t wait to go there with each and every one of you reading this.

Friday was cystoscopy day—otherwise known as the procedure that makes grown men whimper. If you don’t know what it is, Google it… but guys, consider this your final warning: it’s like shoving a golf ball through a garden hose, only the hose has your Social Security number. The good news? I got the all clear. The bad news? Kidney stones are the real culprit, and I’ll be scheduling a laser-blasting soon. Think Space Invaders… only through my urethra.

Saturday we hit the first preseason game of the year—Vikings hosting the Texans. Every August, I convince myself this is the year we’re going to the Super Bowl. And every January, reality reminds me why I should’ve kept the receipt on that optimism. But this year? This year feels different… just like it always does.

Luke was the lucky Swank who got to join me at the game—and he even drove, which was nice. But of course, I still paid for parking. Thirty-three bucks this year. Feels like five minutes ago it was $15. At this rate, by the time the Vikings win a Super Bowl, parking will cost more than my first car.

Saturday’s preseason opener at U.S. Bank Stadium was the usual. Mostly guys I’ve never heard of. Most of whom won’t be here next month. I came to see JJ McCarthy, and I’m glad I did. He led a scoring drive on his first series, ran for a first down, and had no turnovers. Good enough for me. Now bench him for the rest of the preseason. It’s been a long time since the Vikings had a QB on a rookie deal, and they spent big this offseason in the trenches. If JJ’s even above average, this could be a big year. And yes… I believe it!