When the Detroit Lions welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Ford Field in Week 9, it won’t just be another divisional battle — it will be a reunion between two former Michigan Wolverines stars: Aidan Hutchinson and J.J. McCarthy.
The last time the pair shared a field was back in 2021, when they helped power Michigan to a memorable season. But on Sunday, they’ll be on opposite sidelines for the first time in their professional careers — a moment both have been anticipating.
Last season, the showdown never happened. McCarthy’s promising rookie campaign in Minnesota was derailed early after a meniscus tear sidelined him for the year. Around that same time, Hutchinson suffered a leg injury that ended his season just before Detroit’s bye week — conveniently right before the Lions and Vikings were set to play.
Now, both players are healthy and primed for a big matchup with major NFC North implications. The Lions enter at 5-2, aiming for their third consecutive division crown, while the 3-4 Vikings are desperate to claw back into contention.
Speaking after Tuesday’s practice, Hutchinson admitted he’s eager for the matchup — but couldn’t resist throwing in a playful jab.
“Yeah, it’s going to be fun,” Hutchinson said with a grin. “J.J. and I have a great relationship. I’ll probably text him sometime this week — maybe remind him to watch out a bit. He’s a great player, and I’m excited to line up against him.”
The star defensive end noted how unusual it feels to square off against players he once shared a locker room with.
“It’s funny how the game works,” he added. “You spend years with some of these guys in college, and then suddenly you’re lining up across from them in the NFL. It’s pretty special. I’m sure we’ll have a few laughs out there.”
McCarthy, who returns as the Vikings’ starting quarterback after Carson Wentz’s season-ending shoulder injury, will make his first appearance since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2. Unfortunately for him, Hutchinson is back to elite form — and looking every bit like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Through seven games, Hutchinson ranks tied for fifth among edge rushers with six sacks, sits first in quarterback pressures (48), and has forced a strip sack in four of his last five games.
He recalled a lighthearted exchange with McCarthy after the latter was drafted.
“I think I texted him back then, told him I’d ease up a bit on the edge,” Hutchinson joked.
The Lions pass rusher also mentioned that playing against familiar faces adds a different energy to the game.
“Even last week, I went up against Ben Bredeson — we played together for a while at Michigan. It’s cool to share those small moments during the game that fans don’t really see — a few laughs, some memories.”
Still, friendship won’t soften the competition. Both players know the stakes are high: a Lions win would tighten their grip on the division, while a Vikings victory would bring them back to .500 and keep their playoff hopes alive.
So while Hutchinson and McCarthy may exchange smiles before and after the game, only one of them will walk off Ford Field celebrating.
