Vikings star Justin Jefferson has told teammate Jordan Addison to ‘grow up’ after the fellow receiver missed a team walkthrough this week.
Addison, normally the team’s No. 2 receiver, was benched during the first quarter of the Vikings 21-17 win over the Browns in London.
And while he bounced back to catch the game-winning touchdown with just 25 seconds left, Jefferson had some strong words after for Addison.
‘It’s just all about growing up, and just being a part of the team, and knowing the stakes, and knowing that he’s a valuable part of this team,’ Jefferson told reporters.
‘…He’s a great player, he’s a tremendous talent, I just gotta do better keeping him under my wing, and making sure he has his head on straight.
Jefferson added that he ‘definitely had my words’ with Addison amid his benching.
Jordan Jefferson (right) urged Jordan Addison (left) to grow up amid his benching
Jefferson and Addison are close friends and attended the premiere of Netflix’s ‘Receiver’ in July
Addison recovered from his benching to score the game-winning touchdown for Minnesota
It’s not the first-time that the third-year receiver has had discipline issues, as he was suspended for three games this season following a DUI arrest last year.
Police said they found Addison asleep behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce near Los Angeles International Airport on July 12, 2024.
While he struck a plea deal with prosecutors and pleaded no contest to a lesser charge, he was nonetheless banned by the NFL for violating the league’s Substances of Abuse Policy.
On Sunday, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said that Addison missing Minnesota’s walkthrough this week was not ‘in alignment with our standards.’
‘But at the same time he knows that, the coach told reporters. ‘I thought he handled it professionally. He spoke with the team to let them know that whenever I gave him the opportunity to go in the game, they could count on him, and he makes the game-winning catch.’
Ultimately, Addison finished the game with five catches for 41 yards and the game-winning touchdown, which he caught from Carson Wentz.
He also returned in style last weekend in the first game after serving his suspension, as he tallied 114 yards on four catches against the Steelers.
Addison and Jefferson will look to continue Minnesota’s momentum when they return from their Week 6 bye to face the Eagles on October 19.
