EAGAN, Minn. – On a scorching 90-degree day, the Minnesota Vikings started their first padded practice for the 2025 training camp at the TCO Performance Center, defying the city’s usual cold reputation. The Vikings’ defense stood out in the heat, overpowering Kevin O’Connell’s offense while thousands of fans watched from the stands.
At the center of the defense’s strong showing was veteran safety Josh Metellus, whose leadership and recent contract extension underscore his importance to the team’s goals this season. The defense proved relentless, maintaining pressure that forced their new quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, to constantly evade the rush.
Josh Metellus Champions Vikings’ Defensive Strength
Metellus, now secured with a three-year deal, embraces his role as a core player in the Vikings’ long-term plans. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah described him as a “program player” when finalizing the contract. Metellus emphasized that while the offense gets most of the attention for its explosive nature, the defense is equally formidable.
“Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships,”
Metellus said after practice.
“We pride ourself on our offense being explosive, making big plays. … The offense is electric, it is explosive. But I think people are a little bit underrated about the Vikings [defense]. … We’re gonna show ’em soon enough.”
—Josh Metellus, Vikings safety
He also noted how efficiently the defense operated during practice, often collapsing the pocket around McCarthy with ease.
“In the last couple periods we had at practice, I feel like I didn’t even break a sweat, man. You get back there, you get to your drops, the next thing you know, you just see the pocket collapse.”
—Josh Metellus, Vikings safety
Confidence in J.J. McCarthy’s Growth and Leadership
Though the Vikings’ 2025 season largely depends on the young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Metellus does not place unrealistic pressure on him to carry the entire team. McCarthy, who shares a Michigan background with Metellus under Coach Jim Harbaugh, already demonstrates the mindset of a professional, focusing on growth rather than perfection.
“Harbaugh brought that pro mindset, instilled it in us from 18 years old,”
Metellus said.
“When [J.J.] was able to come in here, learning how to be a pro wasn’t his focus. It was more about learning the scheme and learning how to develop as a quarterback. … He’s a leader, he does things the right way.”
—Josh Metellus, Vikings safety
Metellus praised McCarthy’s approach to the game, highlighting his consistency in execution and leadership despite his youth and inexperience.
“A big thing about J.J. is a mindset of, it doesn’t have to be perfect every day, but you have to get better every day,”
Metellus added.
“I don’t think we’ve had a time where the offense can’t line up, or a snap-count issue. Everybody’s been pretty much dialed in, and that’s a testament to the quarterback. … When you’ve been around guys like Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, to see a young guy who’s 22 years old and have that same mindset … it’s honestly special.”
—Josh Metellus, Vikings safety
Vikings Roster Designed to Support McCarthy
Metellus stressed that the Vikings roster is built to relieve McCarthy from overwhelming pressure, allowing him to perform without trying to be a one-man show. The presence of standout receivers, talented running backs, and a strong offensive line ensures that McCarthy can play within a well-rounded system.
“When you’ve got a guy like that, you don’t want for him to feel too much pressure,”
Metellus said, referring to McCarthy.
“So the roster is built for him to not feel like he has to be Superman. We got Justin Jefferson. We got Jordan Addison. We got T.J. Hockenson. We got an amazing O-line. We got two great running backs. We got great special teams, great defense. So he just has to go out there and do what ‘KO’ tells him to do and let his personality, his play, elevate the offense, not go out there thinking he has to make everybody miss and throw the ball 90 yards down the field. He just has to stick to the scheme, trust his coaches and let everything else take over.”
—Josh Metellus, Vikings safety
This balance within the team, combined with Metellus’s steady presence in the secondary, positions the Vikings as serious contenders in the NFC North.
Metellus’ Versatility Embodies Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ Strategy
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has constructed one of the NFL’s most dynamic defenses, using varied blitzes and disguised pressures from every direction. Metellus serves as the key figure in this approach, demonstrating versatility by playing multiple positions on defense opposite veteran Harrison Smith.
Metellus’ vocal leadership further energizes the unit, helping foster a confident and cohesive atmosphere.
“I can be that chirpy guy, that guy that leads from the front lines,”
Metellus said.
“KO and his staff allow us to be our own selves while getting our jobs done.”
—Josh Metellus, Vikings safety
A Local Mainstay Finding Comfort in Minnesota
Though originally from Miami, Metellus has called the Midwest home for a decade and embraces life in Minnesota, where he has built a sense of belonging for him and his family. He appreciates the welcoming atmosphere from fans and the unique summer weather.
“I went from Miami to Michigan, Michigan to here, and this is my sixth year, so I’ve been in the Midwest for 10 years, a decade now. I’m a Midwest baby at this point. … [I love] the peace of mind you get out here. I spent the last three offseasons living full-time out here. My wife and kids never feel uncomfortable going anywhere. Even when we do see the fans, it’s always all love. Nobody’s ever bashing us for not winning a ring yet or anything like that. And it’s very beautiful. I think the summers are the most underrated thing about this place, because you get that Miami kind of heat, but you don’t get all the extra stuff that comes with it.”
—Josh Metellus, Vikings safety
Looking Ahead to the Vikings’ 2025 Season
With Josh Metellus anchoring a formidable defense and J.J. McCarthy developing steadily within a talented support group, the Minnesota Vikings appear poised for a competitive season. Their approach relieves pressure from the young quarterback while maximizing the team’s overall strengths, suggesting the possibility of strong contention in the upcoming NFL year.
Metellus’ leadership, combined with Brian Flores’ complex defensive schemes, offers the Vikings an edge that could make a difference in the tightly contested NFC North. As training camp progresses, fans will watch closely to see how this promising mix of talent and experience translates on the field.