The frustration around the Vikings keeps spilling into view, and Monday night gave fans another ugly snapshot of it.
During Minnesota’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, Justin Jefferson was seen on video walking away from Kevin O’Connell on the sideline. The clip, which went viral after being shared by the X account VikingzFanPage, showed Jefferson turning away from his head coach in the middle of the game.
“There was nothing KOC could tell Jefferson right here,” the X account Myles Gorham posted on the platform in response to that clip.
That wasn’t the only moment that drew attention. Later in the game, O’Connell appeared unhappy with Jefferson after a pass from Carson Wentz sailed incomplete.
Jefferson couldn’t haul in the throw, and video of the sequence spread on social media. The camera then caught O’Connell saying something after the miss, prompting speculation online.
“My AI lip reading translator is telling me that Kevin O’Connell is saying “I mean he’s not even… he’s not even competing right now” after Carson Wentz’s last pass. Please discuss,” the X account Chase Snyder posted.
The Bills made the night even worse for Minnesota, rolling to a 23-6 win. The Vikings offense had a rough one from start to finish, finishing with just 178 total yards.
Jefferson’s season has also been quieter than usual. He has 393 receiving yards and four touchdowns so far, a step down from last year’s more than 1,000-yard receiving season.
The tension has gotten enough attention that ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith openly suggested Jefferson should want out.
“This man should ask to be traded. If you’re Kevin O’Connell… you’re lucky Justin Jefferson even talks to you.
Seriously. Because what he has done to this man’s career, I’m holding him responsible… ownership responsible,” Smith said, per ESPN.
Minnesota is now 6-2 and will face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
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