Kyler Murray will make his much-anticipated debut for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers in front of the home crowd at US Bank Stadium.

Murray was named the starter over JJ McCarthy, and he will be tasked with steering the Vikings to a strong start. He will have to lead by example, as coach Kevin O’Connell also named him the team captain.

The 29-year-old quarterback has a big supporter in Justin Jefferson, who has put his trust in their new leader. Jefferson said Murray being chosen as the team captain was “self-explanatory” when asked bout it.

“He’s the starting quarterback of this team. He’s the leader. He’s the captain. Whatever he says goes. That’s kind of been the method behind every single team, I feel like,” said Jefferson in a media conference.

“We look at him as that leader. Definitely looking forward to him being a leader on Sundays and leading this group to wins.”

#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson says Kyler Murray being named a captain is “self explanatory.”

“He’s the starting QB of this team, he’s the leader, he’s the captain. Whatever he says goes… looking forward to him leading us on Sundays, and leading this group to wins.” pic.twitter.com/hkKt0gagWI

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 9, 2026

After seven years with the Arizona Cardinals, Murray signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Vikings in March, signaling a fresh start. He is coming off a foot injury, which limited him to five games last season. He threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Rob Gronkowski recently stated that Murray has “all the tools to be great.”

“This is kind of a prove-it season, and he couldn’t have been in a better situation to prove it this year,” said the legendary tight end on “Up & Adams.”

Like Murray, Jefferson is also aiming for a resurgence after his numbers fell last season. In 17 games, the 27-year-old wide receiver logged 84 catches for career-lows of 1,048 yards and two touchdowns.