EAGAN, Minn. — Justin Jefferson didn’t so much mind being in Minnesota for the Vikings offseason program.
“Jets” joked with Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell Thursday as O’Connell finished his media session and Jefferson stepped up to the podium.
O’Connell had some fun donning his “reporter” hat and asking Jefferson what he’d taken out of voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp, which concluded Thursday.
“I learned a lot,” Jefferson said, turning to grin at his coach. “Having this as the most [time] I’ve spent in the offseason [program], it was good. Just being able to be around the guys, be around the quarterback, learn from the guys and get better, you know?”
O’Connell returned the smile before responding, “I’ll take that as a guarantee that your presence—”
“We’re gonna talk about that later on,” Jefferson good-naturedly interjected. “Next question?”
The fun exchange encapsulated the atmosphere within Twin Cities Performance Center as players and coaches alike reflected on a productive spring and headed into a break period before reconvening late next month for Vikings Training Camp.
Here are five takeaways from media sessions with O’Connell, Jefferson and quarterback J.J. McCarthy:
1. Jets & J.J. continuing to build chemistry
Jefferson may be looking forward to a little R&R, but the next five weeks will still include plenty of football as he gets in time away from the facility with McCarthy.
He and McCarthy both talked about the bond they’ve built and will continue to foster in anticipation of the upcoming season.
“[Our connection] grew a lot just being around, talking with him, picking his brain on different things and, really, just [reminding him] that I’m here … to conversate about different things he sees on the field, and I’m also there for him off the field, as well,” Jefferson said. “Just being a guy that understands his position, understands that he has a lot going on. So, it definitely was great to be around him during these OTA sessions.”
McCarthy complimented the way Jefferson, even entering his sixth NFL season, “works his butt off every single practice.”
“That just rubs off on everyone, especially when your best player’s giving it his all,” McCarthy said. “So, nobody has any excuse to do anything less. He’s just authentically him every single day.”