Vikings name 8 captains, including Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings named eight captains for the upcoming season, including their superstar wide receiver and a player many thought wouldn't even be on the team this year.
The captains named Thursday are quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, right tackle Brian O'Neill, pass rusher Danielle Hunter, linebacker Jordan Hicks, fullback C.J. Ham and safeties Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus.
Your 2023 #Vikings Team Captains ⭐️@KirkCousins8 @JJettas2 @brian_oneill_ @DHunt94_TX @JordanHicks @harrismith22 @cjham28 @NoExcuses_23 pic.twitter.com/mK4xJEz4YB
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 31, 2023
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said every player voted for Cousins except for Cousins himself.
The most surprising names on the list are Hunter and Metellus. The former was the subject of trade rumors all offseason, until they were finally put to rest by a new deal in July.
"Very excited about Danielle and how his teammates view him," O'Connell said.
Metellus, meanwhile, is a backup safety and special teamer, though he's reportedly impressed in camp this offseason.
Cousins, Smith, O'Neill and Ham have all been Vikings captains before — Cousins in each of his six seasons with the Vikings. It's a new honor for Jefferson, Hunter, Hicks and Metellus.
Also on Thursday, the Vikings announced a contract extension for star tight end T.J. Hockenson.