J.J. McCarthy, noted Bob Marley fan, promotes new biopic 'One Love'

Before he took the field at Michigan last season, J.J. McCarthy would put his headphones on and sit at the base of the goalpost behind the end zone. It was a moment of zen before kickoff as McCarthy got his mind ready for game action.

It almost seemed like McCarthy was telling himself every little thing was going to be alright. Well, that’s because his pregame soundtrack included the iconic good vibes of Bob Marley.

Marley is the subject of the upcoming biopic “Bob Marley: One Love,” which hits theaters this week. It chronicles the life of the legendary singer as he became one of the most notable reggae singers of all time with hits such as “Three Little Birds,” “Stir It Up” and “Jamming,” among many others.

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In fact, “Jamming” is a key part of the pregame routine and plays in McCarthy’s headphones before games.

“Bob’s music really influenced my career because it’s become part of my pregame routine,” McCarthy said in the video. “‘Jamming,’ one that comes on, I feel centered, I’m balanced. Everything about that song sets me up for success on the field.”

McCarthy’s fandom isn’t just shown from his pregame soundtrack, though. He also named his dog Marley because he sensed good vibes when McCarthy adopted him.

“He was just this positive, vibrant dog,” he said. “Definitely living up to his name, that’s for sure.”

McCarthy channeled Marley’s spirit into big-time success during his career at Michigan. During his time as a starter in 2022 and 2023, he amassed a 26-1 record – with the only loss coming to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinals a year ago.

This past season – to borrow a phrase from Marley – McCarthy was jamming until the jamming was through. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 2022 touchdowns to lead Michigan to a perfect 15-0 season and the program’s first national championship since 1997.

Now, J.J. McCarthy is off to the NFL Draft as a project first-round pick, and he’s hoping to improve his stock as the pre-draft process continues. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. put him as the No. 4 quarterback on the board in his post-Senior Bowl rankings, and CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson projected him to go No. 13 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders in his latest mock draft.

As he goes through his football journey, it’s safe to say the music of Bob Marley and The Wailers will be a big part of McCarthy’s career.

“I’m not just a fan because of his legendary beats and melodies, but of his ability to interweave messages of hope, resilience, peace, love, unity, and the need for positive change in the world conveyed in his lyrics,” McCarthy wrote.