J.J. McCarthy made his first start for the New York Giants in Week 7, and if you were paying close attention, you probably noticed something missing: his trademark eye black. Turns out, that wasn’t some oversight, it was a very deliberate move, straight out of a college rivalry playbook, and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was the target.
The Buckeye Grudge Goes Pro
This whole eye black thing isn’t new for McCarthy. It dates back to his college days, specifically his intense grudge against Ohio State. He made it a point to never wear eye black when playing against the Buckeyes, and he brought that same personal approach right into the NFL against the Texans because Stroud is a former Ohio State star. McCarthy didn’t shy away from explaining it either. “Yeah, it is a little corny,” he admitted, according to The Athletic’s Charlotte Carroll, “Don’t get me wrong, but … you know, I guess I’m a corny guy.” He then laid out the real reason, saying he “took it personal in high school, growing up an Ohio State fan, like a die-hard Ohio State fan. I had the comforter, had the Fatheads, everything.” He continued, describing it as “just a little disappointing situation.” So, at the end of the day, that’s just something he’ll “continue against all Buckeyes.”
Emerald City Updates: Hawks Making Moves!
While McCarthy is busy playing mind games with his former rivals, our very own Seattle Seahawks are making real moves. Word just dropped that the Hawks pulled off a trade for a Colts offensive lineman. Yeah, you heard that right! Our squad is already working to bolster the line, showing that Mike Macdonald and the front office are locked in and looking to improve wherever they can. Always good to see our team being proactive and making smart plays on and off the field as the season rolls on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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