Justin Jefferson Looks to Take a Leadership Role in Vikings’ WR Room

In a recent interview during SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Training Camp Tour, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson discussed the challenge of taking on a leadership role, developments with quarterback Kirk Cousins, and the changes within the team after some key players departed.

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As Jefferson steps into a leadership role, the conversation delved into the departure of some key players, like Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook. Jefferson acknowledged the impact these veterans had on the team and how their absence brings new challenges.

“Those are the main guys that were the leaders of the team. Dalvin speaking up whenever, we’re in the huddle and before the games. Adam was the main leader in our receiver room, him talking before the games, praying before the games,” said Jefferson. “Those two guys especially were big roles in this team. So to replace them, it’s definitely difficult to do.”

However, Justin Jefferson expressed his desire to step up as a leader and help the younger players find their roles within the team.

“I definitely want to talk more, just show my teammates that I do want to talk, I do want to lead,” said Jefferson. “[There’s] only so much you can do just doing things by example. So, just talking up and just talking to the younger guys telling them what they need to do in order to fill a valuable role.”

The discussion then touched on his always improving connection with QB Kirk Cousins, given their second year in the offensive system under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

“I feel like [Kirk Cousins] is starting to know my routes and how I run my routes at this point in time. He knows that I’m gonna be at a specific spot, and he knows that he can throw a football where the DB can’t get it,” said Jefferson. “And even sometimes… we might have a pressure blitz and he might give me a signal and I don’t even see it but I know to run it.”

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