Vikings Rookie Tai Felton Opens Up About Training With Justin Jefferson

Vikings Rookie Tai Felton Opens Up About Training With Justin Jefferson originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Justin Jefferson is among the elite wide receivers in the NFL, and sharing the field with him can make a huge impact on those around him. The Vikings' latest wide receiver addition understands how the four-time Pro Bowler can elevate his career.

Minnesota used its third-round pick to add depth at the WR position in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting former Maryland Terrapins star Tai Felton at No. 102 overall. The move has been life-changing for the 22-year-old, who addressed the media after the first day of the training camp.

Felton was asked about the biggest difference between watching Jefferson on TV and sharing the gridiron with him.

"I would say it's strange," he said. "He makes everything look like a go ball. You would never know what route he's running because the way he comes off the ball, he comes off the ball very aggressively. So, when you are a DB and you see him the way he comes off the ball, you don't know if he's running a hitch, if he's running out route, he's running the go ball."

"So, definitely that. And then just his hands, he catches everything that comes his way. So that's a big thing. So just him catching (passes off the Jugs machine) and stuff like that, watching him do that. It's a big learning from one of the best guys in the league, or the best guy in the league for sure."

Felton also shared details about Jefferson's personality and how he interacts with his teammates.

"He's a funny dude, man. He's always joking and stuff like that with everybody, but he's a cool dude and stuff of that nature. So it's a little different trying to get to know everybody, cuz I was in a different receiver room, Maryland, and stuff like that. But he's definitely a cool dude. He be joking with everybody and stuff like that, dancing and stuff like that. So that's cool," Felton said.

But the biggest lesson for any new arrival is the work ethic that underpins Jefferson’s greatness. The rookie explained that seeing one of the league’s best work so relentlessly sets the bar for everyone.

"It makes you realize that in order to be one of those guys in the league that he is, you have to put in that work. So watching him stay up to practice and the notes he takes in the film room and stuff like that, when we're watching film after practice or before practice," he said.

"It just shows you that in order to be one of those top guys in the league, you have to be able to put in work day in and day out in this profession."

Third round pick Tai Felton has an insane amount of potential in this Vikings offense.

2024 at Maryland:

- 96 receptions
-1,124 yards
-11.7 yards per catch
-9 TDs

Can’t wait to see how KOC utilizes him. pic.twitter.com/oZM6NsFefF

— Jason Harmon (@_jason_777) July 18, 2025

Felton's words show how Jefferson is building a positive culture in Minnesota while leading the team to new heights. His talent, preparation, humility and sense of humor give the youngster the right path to greatness.

Felton was a three-star recruit and exploded a bit late at Maryland, where he capped his senior year by earning team MVP honors, leading the Big Ten in both receptions (8.0) and receiving yards (93.7) per game, and breaking DJ Moore’s school record with 96 catches in a season.

At the NFL combine, Felton impressed with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. While his slender frame and play strength are areas for development, the rookie's explosive traits might earn him some playing time alongside Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.