Top QB Prospects of NFL Combine Awkwardly Threw Warm-Up Passes Inside, and Fans Loved It

Welcome to Indianapolis, folks.

Just under two months ago, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. were slinging passes at the national championship in Houston.

Now, as the calendar nears March, the two are slinging passes in a convention center hallway in Indianapolis.

That sentence admittedly makes it sound like McCarthy and Penix have been forced into some sort of barnstorming or busking situation. However, no need to worry—they’re just warming up for the NFL scouting combine.

Footage circulated Thursday of the two quarterbacks rehearsing in a cramped Indianapolis convention center space before taking the stage for scouts and executives. McCarthy in particular was filmed using former Wolverines running back Blake Corum as a throwing partner.

Michael Penix Jr. throwing lasers backstage at the Combine 🦾

🎥: @scoutdnfl pic.twitter.com/5Ya3FVci0v

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 29, 2024

Fans reacted with a mixture of amusement and bemusement.

Some wondered (tongue-in-cheek) whether McCarthy’s space constraints were an indictment of his abilities.

Michigan fans and observers praised their national championship-winning duo’s work ethic.

football guys https://t.co/cNvLEnqqgm

— Brock Heilig (@brockheilig) February 29, 2024

Meanwhile, NFL writers bemoaned the situation for draft prospects.

Others wondered what potential onlookers would be thinking.