Justin Jefferson proves his worth with recent J.J. McCarthy comments

After signing a lucrative contract extension on Monday, Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is now ready to shift all of his focus back onto the football field and prepare for the upcoming 2024 season.

Jefferson's extension is just one of the notable decisions the Vikings have made during the last few months. Minnesota's locker room looks a bit different compared to when the talented wide receiver last played a game for the team back in January, especially when it comes to the quarterback position.

Kirk Cousins is no longer at the top of the Vikings' quarterback depth chart, and the team invested a top-10 pick on former Michigan passer J.J. McCarthy during last month's NFL Draft. Minnesota is hoping a McCarthy to Jefferson connection is one that leads the franchise to championship success, and on Tuesday, the wide receiver shared how he's already spoken to the young signal-caller about some of the things that it takes to be great in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson says J.J. McCarthy can "lean on" him for help

On Tuesday, before the start of their first mandatory mini-camp practice, the Vikings had a press conference to formally announce Jefferson's gigantic extension, and the receiver also spent some time answering questions from the local media.

At one point, Jefferson was asked about what his thoughts are on McCarthy, and the new richest non-quarterback in the NFL had the following to say about Minnesota's rookie passer.

"I talked to J.J. as soon as he got drafted. I told him, 'Confidence is key.' Just coming into this league with confidence and being able to have that leadership just right off the bat [is important].

Being a rookie, there's going to be people that come in and help. Of course, I'm going to be that main person to be in his ear and try to teach him and try to prepare him for what we're about to go through.

But I told him this league is tough. It's not an easy job to come out here and perform at the highest [level], especially as a rookie. But I definitely will be that main person that he can lean on and [helps him] throughout the way."

As if McCarthy already wasn't excited enough to join a team with Jefferson as its No. 1 receiver, the All-Pro pass-catcher just gave him another reason to be pumped about landing with the Vikings in this year's NFL Draft.

Jefferson is locked in with Minnesota for the next handful of years, and he's clearly very aware that if the team is going to be successful in the near future, then he will have to play a part in helping McCarthy reach his full potential.

Not every star player in the league has the same approach, but Jefferson's willingness to help his teammates get better is just one of the many reasons the Vikings gave him a life-changing contract extension on Monday.

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