Justin Jefferson is an American professional football player, affiliated with the NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings as of 2024. He has gained recognition as one of the league’s top wide receivers due to his stellar performance over the past three years. Justin Jefferson played college-level football at Louisiana State University (LSU). His first year at LSU yielded zero receptions after which he began to improve his game. Notably, Jefferson's skills were on full display during the Peach Bowl in his third year at LSU. He accomplished a record-breaking feat by scoring 4 touchdowns in the first half of the game. With this performance, he set the College Football Playoff game record. By the end of the season, Jefferson had recorded an impressive total of 111 receptions with 18 touchdown receptions. In light of his noteworthy college performances, Jefferson chose to declare for the NFL draft, forgoing his senior year at college. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
With 1,400 receiving yards in his first season, Jefferson set the record for the most receiving yards by a rookie. He was one of two rookies selected for the 2020 Pro Bowl. He was awarded a berth on the All-Rookie Team and the NFL Top 100 list. In his second season, Jefferson was selected again for the Pro Bowl, joining Sammy White and Randy Moss as the only Vikings players to ever make the Pro Bowl in their first two seasons. He made his second appearance at a higher rank on the NFL top 100 list. In his third year, 2-time All-Pro secured his third appearance in the Pro Bowl and was a finalist in the regular season MVP award while leading the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809). His numbers fell off in 2023 as he only played in 10 games. However, he still managed to cross 1,000 yard mark in 2023 eventhough he missed 7 games due to various injuries.
Which Jersey Does Justin Jefferson Wear?
Justin Jefferson wears the number 18 on his jersey. Jefferson had many number options to choose from but chose 18 due to its significance at LSU. The number 18 at LSU was attributed to Matt Mauk, a quarterback who led the team to the 2003 BCS National Championship in after suffering a foot injury in 2002. The number symbolized perseverance and a leadership mentality. Jefferson wanted to have this number on his back in order to attempt to be a leader and team player (via the Vikings official website).
FAQs
A. There were 4 wide receivers who were drafted before Justin Jefferson in the 2020 NFL draft. These players were CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Reagor, Henry Ruggs lll and Jerry Jeudy.
A. Justin Jefferson ran the 40-yard dash at a speed of 4.43 seconds at the NFL draft combine in 2020.
A. Justin Jefferson weighs 92 kg.
