There’s no question that superstar receiver Justin Jefferson has reached the stage in his career where his success no longer hinges on him participating in organized team activities.
Though he likely would have made headlines this week if he decided not to show up at TCO Performance Center, Jefferson would have been forgiven considering these are voluntary workouts by definition. The fact that he chose to be in attendance for the Vikings wasn’t lost on head coach Kevin O’Connell as he reflected on the importance of his presence.
“He means so much to this organization,” O’Connell said. “The guys in that locker room know, ‘If this guy is pushing himself in May and June, I sure as heck better be doing the same thing.’ ”
The intentionality of being back in the Twin Cities goes beyond setting an example for his teammates, however, as it’s also given Jefferson a chance to familiarize himself with new No. 1 quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The growing relationship between both players was on full display a couple of weeks ago when Jefferson and McCarthy went viral while sitting courtside at a playoff game between the Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors.
“That was interesting, being mic’d up and all that,” McCarthy said. “We spend a good amount of time together.”
As close as they’re getting off the field, Jefferson and McCarthy are still a work in progress on the field.
Though the Vikings selected McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to be the future of the franchise, Jefferson spent most of his time last summer catching passes from former starting quarterback Sam Darnold. Just when it looked as if McCarthy might be pushing for some additional snaps with the starters, he suffered a torn meniscus that landed him on injured reserve.
That’s why the reps in organized team activities this spring have been so important for Jefferson and McCarthy. They are trying to get on the same page as quickly as possible. That way they can hit the ground running in training camp this summer.
The learning curve was apparent in real time this week. There was a particular play early in practice that featured McCarthy throwing an interception during 7-on-7 drills while targeting Jefferson in the middle. On the other side of the coin, there was a play late in practice that featured McCarthy throwing a touchdown during 11-on-11 drills while targeting Jefferson deep downfield.
“We’re not where we want to be,” McCarthy said. “We’re going to be there when we need to be.”
Some of the subtle moments between Jefferson and McCarthy this week also mattered in the grand scheme of things. The little interactions that otherwise go unnoticed. Like picking each other up after a bad play and dapping each other up after a good plays.
None of it would’ve have been possible if Jefferson was elsewhere.
“He’s an energy igniter of the whole building,” O’Connell said. “He’s come back with a purpose.”
The hope is that the work the Vikings are putting in now could go a long way later.
“It’s been extremely huge,” McCarthy said. “Just being able to get that chemistry building has been invaluable.”
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