Justin Jefferson is the best wide receiver in football . That matters for the Minnesota Vikings, but so does the relationship that he has with head coach Kevin O’Connell. The superstar wideout went the anti-diva route about his new contract, and he has shown that same personality when interacting with his leader on game days.
Justin Jefferson loves Kevin O’Connell
The Minnesota Vikings are projected by many to struggle this season. Sam Darnold is an unknown commodity at this point in his career. Kevin O’Connell might be the difference maker to bring it all together.
Justin Jefferson certainly seems to know what he has in a leader. When Kay Adams asked Jefferson why he stayed in Minnesota there was a quick answer.
“That connection is not found anywhere. Especially the connection I have with KO [Kevin O’Connell]. Having a head coach that is that player oriented, that I have a very close connection with, it’s not something you can find at the next team.”
Justin Jefferson on his relationship with Kevin O’Connell (Up and Adams Show)
It’s beyond evident that a good portion as to why the Vikings are a cohesive unit starts at the top. Unlike the messaging heard from former coach Mike Zimmer, Kevin O’Connell clearly is loving his time in Minnesota. That is reciprocated by those that compete for him.
Kevin O’Connell and coaching matter for Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson isn’t alone in his feelings, and it’s a great thing that O’Connell connects so well with those he leads. One of the biggest differentiators between the last two Vikings head coaches has been leadership style.
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The way Mike Zimmer and Kevin O’Connell go about that process could not be more different. The leadership from O’Connell helped to lead a successful season in his first year, and work through adversity in 2023. When Mike Zimmer hit adversity, all hell broke loose.
In the early parts of a season coaching can be the difference maker between winning and losing. O’Connell has shown an innate ability to elevate his team. The Vikings go into New York as slight favorites in Week 1. They can parlay early success into momentum, and that would set themselves up to turn heads in 2024.
Related: WATCH: Kevin O’Connell Delivers Powerful Speech At Khyree Jackson’s Funeral
Justin Jefferson’s leadership on the field is a reflection of O’Connell’s leadership from the sidelines. When a player and coach are in lockstep, it present an ideal scenario.
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