Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is entering his fifth year as a member of the Vikings and is realizing his stature as a leader. He’s trying to provide “encouraging words” to his teammates whenever he can.
“I have some type of influence on this team,” Jefferson said, via Emily Leiker of The Minnesota Star Tribune. “Whenever I have some type of encouraging words or just have that chance to bring up the team and break us down, that all makes a difference. Even just being here makes a difference.”
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell thinks Jefferson’s effort at this point of the offseason sends a message to the rest of the team.
“If this guy, one of the best in the world at what he does, is pushing himself in May and June, I sure as heck better be doing the same thing,” O’Connell said.
As for QB J.J. McCarthy, Jefferson said the second-year player understands the importance of his role as Minnesota’s starter.
“He understands the role that he has now,” Jefferson said. “He understands he is the starting quarterback at this moment. I feel like he kind of brings that with him to practice, knowing that he has to have that leadership. He’s the captain of our team.”