Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy pregame meditation CFP championship Washington

Michigan's quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, meditates before games, even during severe weather. He was introduced to mindfulness at Nazareth Academy.

J.J. McCarthy, the Michigan quarterback, was spotted doing his pregame meditation under the goal post before the College Football Playoff national championship game against No. 2 Washington. He sat cross-legged with his shoes off, closing his eyes for several minutes, demonstrating a practice he learned at Nazareth Academy in his hometown of La Grange Park, Illinois. After spending his senior season at IMG Academy in Florida, where he was often isolated due to pandemic restrictions, McCarthy has made mindfulness a part of his daily routine. He spends 20 to 30 minutes meditating each morning, and 10 to 15 minutes on game days after the bus arrives at the stadium and before warming up with teammates. McCarthy, with a 26-1 record as a starter over the last two seasons, is no stranger to success on the field.

The weather in Houston was less than ideal, with severe weather blanketing the area in the hours leading up to the championship game. A tornado watch was issued in the city, and heavy rain and wind gusts had fans struggling to hold their umbrellas as they walked to the gates. The city was under a tornado watch until 9 p.m. CST, making for a tense atmosphere leading up to the game.

Earlier that day, the new College Football Hall of Fame class was announced, with receivers Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald among the highlights. Michigan was also represented in the class with former offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson, who played on the Wolverines' last national title team in 1997. Hutchinson went on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career, mostly with the Seahawks and Vikings.

With the perfect conditions inside the domed stadium, the stage was set for an intense and exciting championship game between Michigan and Washington.