J.J. McCarthy’s first start for the New York Giants produced a 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans, but the quarterback’s appearance drew nearly as much attention as the result.
McCarthy played in Houston without the heavy eye black that has marked his look since high school, and he later explained the decision in direct terms.
The choice was tied to the quarterback across from him. Facing Houston’s C.J. Stroud, a former Ohio State player, McCarthy left the eye black off for the same reason he refused to wear it against the Buckeyes during his three seasons at Michigan. He wanted those with Ohio State connections to see his face clearly after the game.
“It is a little corny,” McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday, via The Athletic. “Don’t get
me wrong. It is for sure. But I guess I’m a corny guy. I took it personal in high school, growing up an Ohio State fan, like a diehard Ohio State fan -- had the comforter, had the Fatheads, everything.
"And (it was) just a little disappointing situation. (So) at the end of the day, that’s just something that I’ll continue against all Buckeyes."
The grudge dates to the recruiting process. McCarthy, once a devoted Buckeyes fan, felt misled when Ohio State coach Ryan Day accepted a commitment from another quarterback in his class earlier than McCarthy had been led to expect. He eventually chose Michigan, went 3-0 against Ohio State as a starter, and helped the Wolverines win a national championship.
In each of those three rivalry games, he set the eye black aside so Ryan Day and the Buckeyes would have to look at him after the final whistle.
McCarthy was clear that the practice is not personal toward Stroud.
“I love C.J., too. He’s my guy, and you know, wish him nothing but success,” he said. "It’s strictly just for like C.J., for sure. Maybe Kyle McCord … unless Ryan Day comes up to the NFL. But at the end of the day, it’s just a Michigan-Ohio State thing. That’s really all it is.
McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards in the win. The eye black is expected back when the Giants return from their bye. He described the decision as something he holds near and dear, even if others view it as part of the entertainment business.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' J.J. McCarthy reveals intense reason he didn't wear eye black vs. Texans
