Vikings look at Justin Jefferson for an even greater leadership role now that his new deal has been completed (2024)

Eagan, Minn. (AP) - The broad recipient position inNFLHave been home over the years for some of the most dynamic but whimsical superstars in sport.

Justin Jefferson was selected as a team captain for his age-25 season of himMinnesota Vikingsteammates.

For all the performance of the field that gave him the competitionRichest non-quarterback contractJefferson has left his mark with the Vikings as a leader.

"He thinks the world for that dressing room," said coach Kevin O'Connell."He is a cultural election."

This reputation was cemented last year after Jefferson had suffered a hamstring that eventually kept him outsideFor seven games.

"The way he dealt with and the work he put in, and eventually the way he hit the field and immediately produced and led when he could come back," said O'Connell ", a huge message to the restFrom his teammates: he is a man we can not only really trust, but he is a man who sets the tone in this organization. "

Over time, the Vikings have experienced so much internal disturbance about the frustration about striking recipients such as every team, from Randy Moss to Percy Harvin to St. Diggs.After his university career with a National Championship at LSU, Jefferson has not yet won endgame in the NFL, but there has been no public hint of dissatisfaction of him with the attitude of the team or his role on it.

"I love everything there is. From the fan base to the coaches to the teammates to the owners who support this organization, everything has been phenomenal," Jefferson said on Tuesday at a press conference at Viking's head office to discuss his new deal.

Viking General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Menah remembered a message that Jefferson sent him after he was hired in 2022, lobbying for detention from broad receiver coach Keenan McCardell of the former staff.

"He said," Hey man, I'm not the type of man.Think, it says a lot about not only his coach, but also about Justin and the kind of things he wants for his career.

The leading role for Jefferson has only started, now that Kirk Cousins ​​-who threw the ball at all of his 31 career - -Touchdown receptions -is increased and J.J.McCarthy is prepared if the potential following franchise -quarterback.mcarthy also cameTo NFL Vers from a National Championship with Michigan.

"I want to be the protagonist in his ear and try to teach him and try to prepare him for what we are going to continue," said Jefferson."I love his confidence, I love his attitude, and of course he comes from a championship, you can't have more confidence than that.

The Vikings were happy that this deal was closed before the mandatory mini stamp, with a few weeks left in the offseas program for McCarthy - and the new Quarterback Sam Darnold - to throw Jefferson for some time.

“Pitch and catch factor will always be part of playing our games.How and it feels between player, "said O'Connell.

Jefferson was accompanied on Tuesday by his parents, John and Elaine, and one of his older brothers, Jordan, in a living example of the environment that formed his competitiveness, determination and integrity when he grew up in Louisiana.

When Jefferson discussed the point in his career path when he was over -dimensioned and overlooked by high school, he remembered that he complained to his parents not to be big or strong enough.

For all the highlights that Jefferson made during his first four years in the competition, the one who stood in front of the Adofo-Menah was not even at the peak clips.Detroit last season, a play before his jumping third and 27 catch first brought a long shot down.

"He sprints back to the other side of the field and desperately recovers the ball, so we have the chance to break the ball," said Adofo-Mensah."It is the one I want to tell my children that I got to see."

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