Cooper Kupp broke records and nearly won an NFL MVP when Kevin O’Connell was still the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Now that O’Connell is the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings, All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson is going to be one of the most important players on the field for his team.
Some would say Jefferson is the next Kupp, but given his overall physical attributes, he could be even better.
O’Connell knows what he has in No. 18, and it goes far beyond the confines of being an elite playmaker with sure-handed catches and precise route-running. Oh yeah, and we can’t leave out the showmanship. Those “Griddy” touchdown celebrations are always a sight to behold.
Jefferson is the complete package and a future leader for the Vikings.
“I think you’re special, man. I think you’re really special,” O’Connell said to Jefferson on an introductory Facetime call. “The stuff you’ve already done in this league, but now, we get to go and just keep building on that every single day. And I want you to think about this in the next phase for you—how you want to be a leader on this team because I look at you as an ascending leader. You’re not in your first or second year anymore. It’s time for you to take ownership of this thing just like Adam [Thielen] has—Dalvin [Cook], Kirk [Cousins] and all of the guys. You’re right up there.”
Oh yeah, @JJettas2 is ready to play for Kevin O'Connell.
📺: https://t.co/ZfGzIJyfZS pic.twitter.com/OlU76kWz3x
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 12, 2022
Jefferson, 22, eclipsed the record for most receiving yards in his first two years last season. He also came within 17 yards of breaking Randy Moss’ single-season franchise receiving yards record (1,632) in Minnesota.
It’s scary to think he hasn’t even reached his ceiling yet as a professional athlete. And now, he gets an offensive-minded head coach to help push his talent to new heights. Truly exciting times could be ahead for Minnesota.
Buckle up, Vikings fans.
