“For the most part, I try to be a good role model,” he said. “I don’t feel like I really do too many things that make me shy away from it. I try to stay on my game as much as possible, whether that’s through extra work off the field, staying in the training room for extra treatments, taking care of my body or learning and doing my job as a professional.

“I feel like guys definitely look at me and pay attention to certain things that I do. That’s just part of being a professional. You always have to come to work ready and always make sure you’re doing the right things, even when eyes aren’t on you.”

Bud Grant talked for years about how he would never have become a Hall of Fame coach or lasted long in Minnesota if he hadn’t gotten Jim Marshall and Mick Tingelhoff on his side early on. Once he had them, he said, the locker room followed.

“I had the opportunity to sit and talk with Bud for a year before he passed away (in 2023),” O’Connell said. “We would talk about that and a lot more. I will forever be grateful for the conversations I had with Bud.”

That’s one of the reasons O’Connell launched the Jim Marshall Vikings Captains Legacy, announcing eight captains this year: Harrison Phillips, Harrison Smith, Sam Darnold, Josh Metellus, Andrew DePaola, CJ Ham, Brian O ‘Neill and Jefferson.