JJ McCarthy has produced a dynamic two-year stretch for Michigan as the starting quarterback. Per his common practice, McCarthy can be spotted prior to game time meditating underneath the goalpost inside the stadium.

On Wednesday, McCarthy was officially named the B1G’s QB of the Year, snapping a streak of Ohio State QBs to win the honor. He was also asked about the meditation practice by BTN’s Dave Revsine.

“My senior year of high school, I just got introduced to the practice. I saw all the benefits, not just on the field, but off the field, and it’s something I just put into my daily routine every single day,” said McCarthy. “It’s something that centers me before a game and helps me perform at my absolute best.”

As for doing it on the field, McCarthy said he wanted to provide awareness of the practice for anyone who might like to try it, including kids. McCarthy said the practice “isn’t very popular” in the West but wanted to put it out there for others to check out.

“To be honest with you, I just want to spread awareness of the practice and let other kids out there that are struggling with mental health or looking to improve themselves in any way, they can try it out,” McCarthy explained. “It’s a practice in the West that isn’t very popular, and I was just trying to put it out there and hopefully inspire others.”

McCarthy went on to admit he first sought out the practice as a result of mental health struggles of his own. The QB cited battling depression his senior year in high school and seeking out ways to promote a better well-being.

“It was, my senior year, I’m not going to lie to you. I was going through a depression and instead of getting bitter, I tried to get better and try to focus on things that would just promote a better mental health and better well-being,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy’s full segment can be seen below with the interview starting around the 21:39 mark: