Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson's Biography

Justin Jamaal Jefferson, also known by his national identity number, 2, was born on June 16, 1999. An American native, he evolved to become a professional footballer in the role of a wide receiver. His commitment to the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL) catapulted him into the limelight.

Before venturing into the professional NFL domain, Jefferson played college football. His choice was the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, where he continued to gather accolades and establish a formidable reputation. During his junior year, he led his team to secure the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship title. The success eventually opened the door for his inclusion in the first round of the NFL draft in the same year.

Jefferson’s three initial seasons in the league were marked by numerous recognitions and accomplishments. He was drafted into the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team all three times, becoming a popular player due to his commendable performance in the field. Moreover, he accumulated the highest number of receiving yards within the first four seasons in the entire NFL history. By the age of 23, he outperformed fellow players by leading the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809). This commendable performance earned him the title of Offensive Player of the Year at the age of 23 in 2022.

Jefferson’s journey started in the education corridors of Destrehan High School in Louisiana. He was a three-star prospect considered 308th best nationwide among the other wide receivers graduating from high school. His dedication to football led him to commit to the LSU Tigers for his post-high school playing years.

Under head coach Ed Orgeron, Jefferson played three years at LSU. The pinnacle of his college football career was the 2019 season where the Tigers had an undefeated run, ensuring their place in the College Football Playoffs. The highlight of his LSU career was Jefferson catching 14 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Playoff Semifinals. With this record-setting performance, he etched his name in the history of college football.

Following his success in college, Jefferson was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The young player’s contract was a four-year agreement valued at $13.12 million, with a signing bonus of $7.1 million. The Vikings had acquired him as a response to the blockbuster trade that saw wide receiver Stefon Diggs move to the Buffalo Bills – a trade that’s still considered one of the top win-win deals.

In his first and second seasons in professional football, Jefferson accumulated numerous impressive records, becoming one of the few Vikings in history to play in Pro Bowls in their debut professional seasons. His third season was equally astonishing, as he led the league in receptions and receiving yards, and set a franchise record for the most receptions in the first three years of a career.

Entering his fourth year, Jefferson was on the warpath to continue the record-breaking streak he started with his Rookie of the Year honor. Despite suffering a hamstring injury during the 2023 season, Jefferson finished the year with over 1,000 receiving yards, beating the NFL record for most receiving yards within a player’s initial four seasons.

In 2024, Jefferson made MLB history again by penning a four-year $140 million contracts extension with the Vikings, with $110 million guaranteed. This massive agreement made Jefferson NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at an average of $35 million per year. This contract cemented Jefferson’s status as one of the league’s top players, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons. As a strong performer on the field, Jefferson has not only broken records but lives up to his record-breaking legacy every season.

Away from football, Jefferson has a sporting lineage. Both his brothers, Jordan and Rickey, played college football at LSU, and their father, John, was a Division II college basketball player. Evidently, the Jefferson family represents an embodiment of sports. Jefferson also made a mark in the popular Fortnite game as the first NFL player to be added to the game, popularizing ‘the Griddy’ dance.