Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy hands out pizzas to homeless in Roseville
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A Roseville pizza shop got a surprise visit from Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and the end result was a good deed to prevent homeless people from going hungry for at least one night.
In a video posted to X by social media influencer @JoshLilJ, McCarthy and somebody with a cell phone camera go into OG Zaza in Roseville and ask for 1,000 pizzas. Owner and chef Joshua Hedquist says he can’t do that because he doesn’t have enough dough ready. He offers them 13 pizzas, which are ready within minutes.
Hedquist tells them they’re $200, but gives them a deal at $150. McCarthy then steps in and gives Hedquist a wad of cash. He says, "I don’t think $150 is going to do that. Not only because this is amazing pizza that you make, but for the person you are. Being able to hear your story, it’s truly inspiring. Unsung here No. 1"
According to the OG Zaza website, Hedquist has been featured on Food Network’s "Guys Grocery Games," "Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge," "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and "Chopped."
McCarthy then goes outside and gives the pizzas to homeless people who need a meal.
McCarthy the next Vikings QB 1?
Why it matters: McCarthy missed his rookie season after tearing the meniscus in his right knee in his preseason debut. The Vikings traded up to the No. 10 pick to get McCarthy, and if they don’t bring Sam Darnold back, he could be the 2025 starter.
What’s next
What we know: The Vikings agreed to a contract extension with Kevin O’Connell last week.
What we don’t know: If and when the Vikings will give General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah an extension.