Editor’s Note: This story is part of Peak, The Athletic’s desk covering leadership, personal development and performance through the lens of sports. Follow Peak here.During the first game of his career, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy stood on the sideline, sharing a moment with star receiver Justin Jefferson.McCarthy had thrown for just 48 yards in the first half and tossed an interception that was returned for a touchdown. On the road in Chicago, the Vikings fell behind 17-6. McCarthy looked at Jefferson and delivered a five-word message, captured by microphones on the “Monday Night Football” broadcast.“Don’t give up on me,” he said.It was surprisingly vulnerable. McCarthy stated his request to Jefferson directly, but softly, confidently and earnestly. It sounded genuine. It was easy to see why the moment went viral.“I got you, brother,” Jefferson responded. “You don’t gotta tell me.”
@espn
“Don’t give up on me.” 🥹 #JustinJefferson never doubted his QB #JJMcCarthy in his debut 💜 (via @Vikings) #espnsocial #teammates #nfl
For Amy Edmondson, a professor of leadership and management at Harvard Business School, the exchange illustrated a simple lesson in effective communication and leadership. Edmondson is an academic who studies human failures and psychological safety in the workplace. The latter was a formerly obscure term in psychology and management research that became shorthand for a simple concept: Is there an environment of candor at the office?“What both players are demonstrating is vulnerability,” Edmondson said. “But let me describe that as honesty. They’re just being honest and candid — not only about what happened, but about what they need from each other to go forward. And forgive me for using this word, but it’s just plain efficient to do that.”For McCarthy, a 2024 first-round pick from Michigan who missed last season with a knee injury, the viral moment preceded a comeback victory in his first start over the Chicago Bears, including two touchdown passes and a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Things were less promising in Week 2; McCarthy, fresh off the birth of his first child, threw two interceptions in a 22-6 loss against the Atlanta Falcons and will miss time with an ankle injury.
