After signing a massive contract extension last summer that made among the highest paid players in the NFL, Justin Jefferson was voted a team captain by his teammates on the Vikings.
What did the standout receiver learn about himself stepping into that position?
“That I actually can do it,” Jefferson said with a smile on Monday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. “I had to learn to be vocal and know that I have some type of influence on this team.”
That influence has been on display this spring as Jefferson has been an active participant in organized team activities. Though the Vikings actually made it a point to ask him to be in attendance, Jefferson said he was always planning to be at the voluntary workouts.
“To build that connection with my teammates,” Jefferson said. “Especially with my quarterback.”
The fact that Jefferson has already started to familiarize himself with new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy bodes well for the Vikings moving forward.
Not only does it help Jefferson learn what to expect whenever the ball is in the air, maybe more important, it helps McCarthy understand how much he can rely on his best weapon whenever he drops back to pass.
Just throw it up anywhere,” Jefferson said with another smile. “I’m going to go get it.”
That’s a common refrain Jefferson has used throughout his tenure, regardless of it’s been former franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins, journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold, or McCarthy taking snaps under center.
“It really doesn’t matter who’s throwing the ball,” Jefferson said. “As soon as the ball gets close to my face, I’m going to try to catch it.”
What’s the biggest thing he has learned about McCarthy so far?
“He definitely has an arm,” Jefferson said. “He can definitely zip it whenever he needs to.”
What’s the biggest thing Jefferson wants McCarthy to learn about him?
“The difference between me and another receiver is what I put on the top of my routes,” Jefferson said. “Just the flavor I have and the stride length that I have.”
There are certain routes, for example, that Jefferson might break off at a different depth than some of his peers
“All of that goes into it,” Jefferson said. “So the more we’re out here having those reps, the better we’re going to be.”
That’s why it was important for Jefferson to be an active participant in organized team activities.
“Just being here makes a difference,” Jefferson said. “It feels great to be around the team earlier than normal and carrying on that leadership role.”
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) takes part in drills during an NFL football team practice Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Related Articles
Mizutani: Why extending Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was right move for Vikings
Vikings sign GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to contract extension
The importance of Justin Jefferson’s attendance at Vikings OTAs
J.J. McCarthy’s goal during Vikings OTAs? ‘Not being afraid to fail’
Five storylines to keep an eye on as the Vikings start OTAs
Leave a Reply