EAGAN, Minn. — Five mainstays are being joined by three first-time Vikings captains for the 2025 NFL season.

Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on Thursday announced the following players have been selected through a team vote (listed by group in alphabetical order):

Offense: Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Sr., J.J. McCarthy, Brian O'Neill

Defense: Jonathan Greenard, Joshua Metellus, Harrison Smith

Special Teams: Andrew DePaola

Jones, McCarthy and Greenard were selected by Vikings teammates for the first time as each begins his second season with Minnesota.

A photo of the group will be placed in the "Jim Marshall Vikings Captains Legacy" display that was created in 2024 to honor the 14-time Vikings captain who played every game of the franchise's first two decades. Marshall passed away this June at the age of 87, but his legacy of leadership is continuing through the display, located in the players' entry/exit hallway of Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.

Here is a bit more on each 2025 Vikings captain (players listed in alphabetical by last name):

Andrew DePaola (Special Teams)

Serving as a captain for the second consecutive full season, DePaola's influence on the team extends well beyond his consistency as a long snapper that garnered a First-Team All-Pro selection (2022). He is the first long snapper in NFL history to make three consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2022-24). DePaola was first promoted to a team captain during the 2023 season after Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending injury.

Jonathan Greenard (Defense)

It didn't take long for Greenard to start making an impact on the Vikings defense and locker room. The edge rusher's leadership has been recognized with a captain position for the first time in his career on the heels of him leading the Vikings with 12 sacks and 22 QB hits en route to his first Pro Bowl.

Justin Jefferson (Offense)

The phenom has blended generational talent with a relentless desire to maximize his gifts through hard work and execution. He's also remained humble and unselfish as the star has ascended quickly into NFL and team record books. This is Jefferson's third consecutive season as a captain.

Aaron Jones, Sr. (Offense)

Few players make the kind of impact within a locker room and into the community the way Jones did in his first season in Minnesota. He's still admired and asked about by the people of Green Bay and will continue to be appreciated by the Vikings. Jones rushed for career highs of 255 attempts and 1,138 yards while embracing teammates and the community during his first season with the Purple.

J.J. McCarthy (Offense)

McCarthy's leadership showed up quickly, whether it's guiding teammates in the offense's huddle, celebrating a high with everyone or finding a way to pick up a teammate. He's only 22 and set to make his first NFL start in Week 1, but McCarthy demonstrates emotional intelligence and communication skills well beyond his years.

Joshua Metellus (Defense)

A former sixth-round pick, Metellus has been willing to do anything to help the team since his arrival in 2020. Metellus was elevated to a captain by teammates at the end of 2022 after O'Neill was injured. This is his fourth season as a captain after he served in the role for special teams in 2023. Metellus signed a multiyear extension during the 2025 offseason.

Brian O'Neill (Offense)

O'Neill is entering his eighth NFL season and fifth consecutive as a captain. He has started 106 of 110 games played and is looked to for leadership by younger offensive linemen. The two-time Pro Bowler has helped newcomers from vets to rookies adjust during Minnesota's overhaul of its offensive line.

Harrison Smith (Defense)

The Hitman has a distinguished run of picking off passes and zipping into the backfield for a tackle. He's been a keystone of disguise efforts and delivered in the clutch when the team has needed a stop. He's also made sure to remain in Vikings Purple, showing continued loyalty and love for playing football. Smith, a six-time Pro Bowler, is a captain for the sixth consecutive season.

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