The Minnesota Vikings broke the internet earlier this week when Justin Jefferson signed a contract so large no player outside of the quarterback position had ever made as much money.
Star wide receivers in the NFL are often considered the trendsetters of football and that was true again today when Minnesota’s offensive line dubbed Thursday as ‘Justin Jefferson Day’ at the final installation of this week’s offseason mandatory minicamp.
Minnesota Vikings offensive line celebrates Justin Jefferson Day
Justin Jefferson is every bit the flashy wide receiver that the National Football League loves to promote. He isn’t the diva that Stefon Diggs was before him, but between his custom grills, cleats, arm bands, arm sleeves and a plethora of other accessories, Jets is always stand out.
To emulate their superstar teammate’s practice attire, Brian O’Neill, Blake Brandel, Garrett Bradbury and others rocked short shorts, visors, and sleeves at Thursday’s practice. No grills were present, but that could certainly be the next iteration.
It's "Dress Like Justin Jefferson Day" for the Vikings offensive line at today's practice, says right tackle Brian O'Neill. Short shorts, visors, arm and leg sleeves. June, baby. pic.twitter.com/MRg0H453e7
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) June 6, 2024
After having recently brought back Dalton Risner on a one-year contract, Kevin O’Connell’s offensive line has the potential to create continuity from the 2023 season. With Kirk Cousins no longer under center, the o-line will be tasked with protecting new signal callers Sam Darnold and, possibly, J.J. McCarthy. So why not do it looking good, right?
Related: Justin Jefferson Took Anti-Diva Route to New Contract and it Paid Dividends
Christian Darrisaw eyes next huge Minnesota Vikings payday
With the Justin Jefferson contract on the books, the next massive payday for the Minnesota Vikings will be handed to left tackle Christian Darrisaw. A first round pick in 2021, one year after Jefferson, Darrisaw has become one of the best young bookends in the National Football League.
In allowing Cousins to walk, money was understandably freed up for guys like Jefferson and Darrisaw, who’s eventual payday should cement him as the bodyguard for J.J. McCarthy, hopefully deep into a successful future.