Justin Jefferson has revealed that he privately supported J.J. McCarthy through the negativity surrounding the quarterback during his difficult first NFL regular season. The Vikings star said he made a point of checking on McCarthy while keeping his own frustrations inside.
Jefferson faced plenty of frustration himself during Minnesota’s disappointing 2025 season. He finished with 1,048 receiving yards and two touchdowns, despite remaining one of the team’s central offensive pieces.
“It’s a part of the game,” Jefferson said, via The Athletic. “Not everything is gonna be flowers and rainbows, you know?
“Not every season is going to be the best season ever, and that’s something that you just kind of got to deal with, something that as a leader, as a captain of this team, everybody is looking at me, everybody has eyes on me.”
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Jefferson explained that his position as a leader required him to consider how every public comment could affect teammates. He said, “That one comment that I (might) make about one of my teammates might make headlines and be the trending topic, and that might be a bad look on the team and for me as well. So just keeping it in-house, communicating with my teammates personally.”
Justin Jefferson talked about J.J. McCarthyEast Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)That included McCarthy, who started 10 games during his first NFL season after missing his entire rookie campaign with a torn meniscus. The young quarterback dealt with injuries and inconsistent play while Minnesota tried to stabilize its offense.
Jefferson said that he even talked “with J.J. (McCarthy) last season, making sure his head is on right, with all of the negativity. Never will I downplay anybody in the media, no matter how bad it is.”
That approach reflected Jefferson’s belief that leadership requires support rather than public criticism. His consistency gives McCarthy and the rest of Minnesota’s young roster a standard to follow.
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The Vikings have since changed direction at quarterback. Kyler Murray has been named the starter after a competition with McCarthy, giving Minnesota a veteran presence.
Jefferson has also praised Murray’s athleticism and throwing ability, saying it is “something that has really, really surprised” him. The veteran quarterback now gives Minnesota another chance to maximize its elite receiver.
Still, Jefferson’s support for McCarthy shows how he views his leadership role. His influence extends beyond targets and catches, especially inside a team trying to build stability.
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