After winning the CFP National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines, the Minnesota Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy as their 10th overall pick in 2024. After two years, the Vikings selected McCarthy’s friend and former teammate, Max Bredeson.

The Vikings drafted Bredeson with the 159th pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. During his post-draft interview with the Vikings, Bredeson reminisced about his memories with his quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.

"We came [to Michigan] in the same recruiting class," Bredeson discussing his close friendship with McCarthy. "It's actually crazy, we threw with the same quarterback coach in high school. He turned out to be a better quarterback than I am, unfortunately."

"But known him for a while. Best friends through playing at Michigan, the great wins we got to have together. Just grew close to [him] through all that," Bredeson stated.

The pair won the national championship together under the guidance of Jim Harbaugh in 2023. Bredeson was voted the Wolverines' captain twice in 2024 and 2025. He was also named the Most Improved Player on Offense after the 2023 season. 

J.J. McCarthy personally made the trip from Minneapolis to Hartland, Wisconsin, to be there for his friend and current teammate Max Bredeson. 

"For him to be here is definitely special," Bredeson said smiling. "Really cool that it timed up like that."

When Max Bredeson was on a call with the Vikings' media, you could hear McCarthy in the background, welcoming his friend into the team. From college teammates to the Vikings, McCarthy and Bredeson look forward to make an impact in the upcoming season.

Bredeson's Role in the Vikings' Roster

Despite playing primarily as a tight end for the Wolverines, Max Bredeson will operate as a fullback for the Vikings. Bredeson understands the the team's requirements and banks on his versatility as an athlete.

"The fullback position is all about versatility," Bredeson offered. "Guys who play fullback can play a lot of different positions, [including] on special teams. You can line up all over the field. So I think the more versatility that a guy brings with the fullback position, the more ability he has just to help his team win."

During his collegiate career with the Wolverines, Bredeson recorded 12 receptions for 132 yards. He is considered to be an 'all-utility' player since he also recorded a solo tackle in 2024.

Bredeson won the LowMan Trophy in 2025 as the top fullback in college football. He also received third-team All-Big honors for his contributions to the Wolverines.

They also awarded him the Toughest Player and Blue Collar, signifying the grit and versatility he brings to a team. Being on the roster, Bredeson would utilize his blocking and rushing skills for McCarthy in the upcoming season.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Rishab Nandi