When the Vikings announced on Friday that veteran starter J.J. McCarthy would remain sidelined, the ripple effect was immediate. The team turned to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, naming him the starter for Sunday’s clash with the Seahawks. It will mark his first career NFL start. 

Brosmer, 24, didn’t enter the league with fanfare or hype. He signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 draft, quietly surviving training camp and earning a spot on the 53‑man roster. His college career — split between New Hampshire and a final season at Minnesota — showed flashes of promise: respectable touchdown counts, solid completion rate, and a reputation for poise under pressure. 

Now, all eyes turn to him. The upcoming game won’t be easy: the Seahawks boast one of the strongest defenses in the NFL this season — pressure, sacks, and aggressive pass rush are their trademark. Analysts warn that Minnesota’s offensive line is thin, making the pocket anything but safe. 

Still, the Vikings’ coaching staff seems to believe in him. Head coach Kevin O’Connell publicly expressed confidence: “I have a ton of confidence in Max,” he said after practice. For Brosmer, stepping into a chaotic season — 4‑7 record, offensive struggles, uncertainty — this is a make‑or‑break moment.

In interviews, Brosmer has shown calm composure. He praised the unity of the locker room and emphasized that everyone has its back: “There’s no clique in this locker room,” he said. “We’re one big melting pot.” That confidence, plus the audible support from teammates, may be his greatest strength heading into a hostile environment in Seattle.

But critics are calling this a gamble. An undrafted rookie against a top‑tier defense? Numerous fans and analysts fear this could backfire. A bad performance won’t just cost a game — it could damage Brosmer’s confidence, reputation, and possibly his future in the league. Critics say the stakes are too high for an untested quarterback, especially with weakened offensive protection and limited margin for error. 

Still — and perhaps ironically — that pressure could work in his favor. Sometimes a clean slate, with no legacy or past failures attached, offers a freedom veterans don’t have. If Brosmer plays smart, keeps the ball protected, and mixes short passes with timely decisions, he could shock a league primed to expect disaster. And if he does, the narrative around Vikings’ season — and his own career — could shift dramatically overnight.

For Vikings fans, Sunday isn’t just a game. It’s a turning point. It’s a test of identity, grit, and faith in new blood. Win or lose, Max Brosmer’s first NFL start will be remembered — not just as a rookie’s debut, but as a moment of reckoning for a franchise in flux.

Because make no mistake — when that first snap is called, all eyes will be on #12.