There’s no question that superstar receiver Justin Jefferson has reached the stage in his career where his success no longer hinges on him participating in organized team activities.

“He’s a tremendous talent, tremendous leader, but his leadership really shows up when he’s here,” said McCarthy, who accompanied Jefferson to a Timberwolves playoff game last month when they sat together in courtside seats. “Just being able to get that chemistry building on and off the field has been invaluable.”

Jefferson is coming off his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. The NFL leader in receptions and receiving yards in 2022, he had a 103-1,533-10 line in 2024. However, Jefferson and the Vikings are breaking in a new quarterback, 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.