John Harbaugh challenges Tom Brady to leave retirement: 'I doubt for one second he could'

October 24, 2026

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh announced that J.J. McCarthy will make his first start for the team this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

McCarthy, who was acquired via trade last month following Jaxson Dart's season-ending injury, previously played 10 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. After replacing Jameis Winston in a Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints, McCarthy passed for 243 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter while leading three scoring drives.

To explain the time needed for McCarthy to learn the new offensive system, Harbaugh likened the situation to a hypothetical return of Tom Brady. Harbaugh noted that even a player of Brady's caliber would likely not be ready to play in his first week back from retirement, which he expressed doubt that Brady could actually achieve.

The Giants' coaching staff has already expanded the playbook to 90 percent for McCarthy, and the offense will be adjusted to suit his mobility and strengths.