Minnesota quarterback JJ McCarthy, making his NFL debut in his hometown, rallied the Vikings past the Chicago Bears 27-24 on Monday in the NFL season opener for both clubs.

After throwing an interception that was returned 74 yards for a Chicago touchdown to give the hosts a 17-6 lead, 22-year-old McCarthy ignited a Minnesota fightback with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to make a triumphant NFL debut.

"It's surreal," McCarthy said. "Your first NFL win and I just can't be more proud of the guys. "I was really proud of how we responded because there's going to be a lot of gritty games in the future."

McCarthy completed 13-of-20 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns and ran for what proved to be the winning touchdown.

"Getting the win, that's what I'll remember most," he said. "Being in the hometown, it's a dream come true and to all the kids out there it's possible. I just love my guys and can't wait to go to war next week."

McCarthy was the first quarterback to rally from more than 10 points down in the fourth quarter and win his NFL debut since Steve Young in 1985.

"It was game one. We have a lot of things to clean up. We were just figuring it out," said McCarthy. "It just came down to execution."

McCarthy was talking to blockers and receivers when not on the field in the final minutes, trying to inspire.

"We've got to believe," McCarthy said he told teammates. "That's one thing we can do is control the controllables. I believe in going out there and executing that next play. It's just as simple as that. We've got a great group and everyone was on the same page with that."

McCarthy, who grew up a Bears fan in suburban Chicago, suffered a right knee injury in the 2024 pre-season opener and missed what would have been his rookie campaign, but he recovered and this year took over a Vikings team that went 14-3 in 2024. (AFP)