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Justin Jefferson Reveals Why He Attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs
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- Justin Jefferson Reveals Why He Attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings held one last voluntary OTA practice on Monday, leading into minicamp, which will start on Tuesday. In total, the Vikings held four voluntary OTA practices this spring. For the first time in a while, superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson was present for every single one .
There are a few things that spurred this change. And really, they're all projectable. First, he's been spending more time in the Twin Cities this time of year, than ever before. That means he is just a short drive away from the Eagan practice facilities.
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Beyond the change in his living situation — since signing his massive $140 million contract last offseason — Justin has committed himself more than ever to being a leader who his teammates can rely on. And setting the standard is not a part-time job.
Justin Jefferson reveals reasons behind why he attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs
But when Justin Jefferson got in front of media on Monday, he revealed a chat he had with (probably) Kevin O'Connell about just that. The way Jettas puts it, the Vikings approached him to make sure he was planning to attend voluntary OTAs.
Even before his chat with KOC, Justin admits that, unlike previous years, he was thinking about attending voluntary OTAs anyway, but that his sit down solidified that thought and made his commitment all but official.
Justin Jefferson was probably going to attend Minnesota Vikings OTAs anyway… but a chat with (I'm guessing) Kevin O'Connell cemented those plans.
He continually brought up his relationship building mission with JJ McCarthy and expanding leadership role on the team. pic.twitter.com/z8pYpIYF2P— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 3, 2025
Jefferson : "It's definitely great to be out here early, to kind of get in the feel of what this year is going to be like. Of course, you know, getting the plays back, going through the plays again, and just being out here, just the whole field, this is always a great vibe. So, you know, when, when they ask for me to be here and ask for me to, you know, be a part of it, it was a no brainer."
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Reporter : "When they asked you to come, were you kind of thinking you would be here anyway, or did that kind of talk you into coming"
Jefferson : "Yeah, I mean, I was most likely going to be here anyway. But for them, you know, to ask for me to be here and, you know, especially with J.J. being our new quarterback, new guys on the team, new guys on offense. So, just being here with them and just making sure that the young guys are, you know, organized in there, knowing what was going on. So, it definitely feels great to be here a little earlier than normal."
Jefferson knows how key his relationship with JJ McCarthy is
Last season, Justin Jefferson caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. It's the third season (of five) in which he has gained over 1,500 yards on 100 or more receptions.
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In 2025, after hitting those marks with Kirk Cousins in 2021 and 2022, then Sam Darnold in 2024, the Jefferson is looking to do it again with yet another quarterback, redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy. That's good, because I would agree (as do the Minnesota Vikings clearly) that his connection with JJ means everything to the future of this organization.
Related: MN Vikings Insider Unable to Dig Up Any Dirt on JJ McCarthy
And he made it clear multiple times today, as he has throughout this spring, that his new QB is a big reason for why he feels a need to be so present. Whatever the reasoning is, I am just happy to see Justin Jefferson engaged like he is this season. No doubt, his presence is a big part of why OTAs were as competitive as they were .
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