Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson had a challenging 2025 season, given that he barely crossed the 1,000-yard receiving mark and only recorded two touchdowns.
Despite the QB issues all season that impacted his stat line, Jefferson remained professional about the situation. Moreover, Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill noted that Jefferson has a down-to-earth personality that likely helped him with the challenge from last season.
Nonetheless, during an appearance on the May 7 edition of “Green Light with Chris Long,” O’Neill shared how important the Vikings wideout is to their offense despite the player’s down season by his standards last campaign.
“He does so much in the offense,” O’Neill said. “He plays X, Y, and Z, handles motions and, outside of the quarterback, probably has to know more than anybody else about where to be on every play, the motions, and the shifts.
“It’s no secret they’re trying to scheme ways to get him the ball. Defenses focus on him every week, too. Despite all the responsibilities and all the different spots he lines up, he’s never in the wrong place and never runs the wrong route.”
Vikings’ Brian O’Neill Talks About Justin Jefferson’s Mindset
Furthermore, O’Neill notes that one aspect of Jefferson’s game that might be helping him succeed in his NFL career is his mindset and his relish for being a pro.
“I think he appreciates and enjoys the whole aspect of being in the NFL,” O’Neill added. “He doesn’t take things too seriously. He’s a baller who loves to go play football.
“That’s why guys gravitate toward him and love him because there’s so much out there for a superstar like that, media-wise, and he just loves playing basketball on a little mini hoop in the locker room and playing ball. That’s cool. It’s refreshing. There’s a youthful exuberance to him that’s contagious, really.”
J.J. McCarthy Gets Strong Words From NFL Insider
The Vikings know that they can’t afford for Jefferson’s production to be impacted by the QB play. As a result, Minnesota signed Kyler Murray after the Arizona Cardinals cut ties with him this offseason and even re-signed Carson Wentz.
Minnesota now has a QB competition that features Murray and Wentz. However, Murray is likely the one challenging J.J. McCarthy for the starting job, and many expect the former Cardinals star to emerge as the starter.
Nonetheless, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter isn’t willing to sell McCarthy short, as it appears the competition will be open.
“I’m not ready to write off J.J. yet,“ Schefter said on a May 8 appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show.“ “… There’s a boatload of talent in Minnesota, and that doesn’t even include a head coach who is obviously adept and proficient at getting these offensive plays in and having the offensive production that Kevin O’Connell has. I don’t know how you handicap it.
“I think a lot of people believe that Kyler is going to wind up as the starting quarterback, but I think J.J. McCarthy is going to give him a run still. I don’t think the Vikings are ready or willing to give up on J.J. McCarthy just yet.
“I think they’ve got two good quarterbacks there. These are two high draft picks, so it will play out, but I think a lot of people believe Kyler is going to prevail and win the job. But again, I’m not ready to give up on J.J. just yet.”
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Gets Blunt Message From Brian O’Neill