Veteran Presence Felt: Vikings Stars Turn Out in Force for Voluntary OTA Session
The Minnesota Vikings kicked off a major step in their offseason program as several key veteran players turned up for voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday — and the list of attendees reads like a who’s who of the 2025 roster. With stars and leaders across both sides of the ball present, the energy at practice was palpable, sending a clear message: this team is focused, united, and ready to build something special.
Among the most notable participants were franchise cornerstone Justin Jefferson, first-round rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and dynamic wide receiver Jordan Addison, offering fans an exciting glimpse of the future of the Vikings’ passing attack.
But the attendance wasn’t just about offense. Key defensive veterans like Harrison Smith, Jonathan Allen, and Byron Murphy Jr. also made appearances, showcasing a commitment to culture, chemistry, and competitive excellence that head coach Kevin O’Connell has been preaching since day one.
Star Power Leads the Way
Perhaps the most exciting name on the list was Justin Jefferson, widely considered one of the best wide receivers in football. Despite ongoing discussions around a potential contract extension, Jefferson showed up, practiced, and brought his usual leadership and intensity to the field.
“Having Justin here says everything you need to know about who he is,” said Coach O’Connell. “He’s a tone-setter. The younger guys look up to him, and he never backs down from the work.”
Another headline-grabbing name in attendance was rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s expected to compete for the starting job this fall. Getting early reps with the full arsenal of offensive weapons—including T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and newly acquired running back Aaron Jones—is a crucial step in accelerating his NFL transition.
“J.J. has been a sponge,” Hockenson told reporters. “He’s asking the right questions, putting in extra work, and showing a lot of command already.”
Defensive Leaders Show Up
On defense, the presence of veterans like Harrison Smith, Jonathan Greenard, and Jonathan Allen speaks volumes about the team’s buy-in. In a league where skipping voluntary workouts is common for players of their caliber, showing up signals unity and belief in the direction of the team.
“It’s about setting the tone early,” said linebacker Blake Cashman. “We’ve got new faces, new energy, and big goals. If we want to get where we believe we can, it starts right now.”
Culture, Chemistry, and Commitment
Voluntary OTAs are just that—voluntary. But when this many veterans and high-profile names take part, it sends a message to younger players and coaches alike: this group is locked in. For a Vikings team reloading with a blend of star talent and promising youth, early chemistry can make a huge difference.
“The vibe is serious but fun,” said cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. “We’re here to work, but we’re also building something together.”
A Promising Start
With leaders from every unit present and contributing, it’s clear that the Vikings are laying a solid foundation for the 2025 season. Whether it’s mentoring rookies, fine-tuning schemes, or building trust, these early sessions matter—and this team is making them count.
The message from Tuesday’s practice was simple: the Vikings are all in.
