'It grew a lot' Vikings WR Justin Jefferson talks building a relationship with J.J. McCarthy

One of the more important relationships for a young quarterback to build is the one with his star wide receiver. That's what Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been doing with wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

We've seen them attend Minnesota Timberwolves games together, and build a bond outside of TCO Performance Center. It will prove to be pivotal for success in 2025 and beyond.

Justin Jefferson talks about relationship with J.J. McCarthy

This was the first time in as many years that Jefferson decided to attend OTAs, and it's already paying off. He talked about that, along with his relationship with McCarthy.

"Yeah, it grew a lot, just being around them, just picking his brain on different things, and really just trying to get him to understand that I'm here just conversate about the different things that he see on the field. And I'm also there for him off the field as well, just being a friend, a guy that you know understands his position, understands that he has a lot going on. So it definitely was great just to be around him. OTA sessions, very weird. But you know this, it happens sometimes, sometimes, you know, not everybody's the big candy, candy, candy person. So sometimes I got to put people on."

The last part of the quote is where you can see the relationship really take the next step. McCarthy was caught on mic that he had never had Mike & Ike's candy. Jefferson is a known candy connoisseur, and it was a way for them to bond.

Not only that, they will throw this offseason together to get ready for training camp.

"Oh, for sure," said Jefferson about working out together with McCarthy. "I kind of been around a lot this offseason in Minnesota. So definitely going to pick it back up once we settle down a little bit, get some rest, and mentally and physically, just allow our bodies to reset a little bit. But, you know, once we pick things back up, definitely will get out there with him to build that connection to continue on, just working on that chemistry."

Get ready for a huge season from both McCarthy and Jefferson.