It is difficult to fathom a time when Justin Jefferson wasn’t quick, large, or good enough.
But, standing on the platform Tuesday, Jefferson, the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, hasn’t forgotten.
The Vikings receiver grinned brightly and frequently as he chatted with Twin Cities media members the day after agreeing to a contract deal that will keep him in Minnesota until the 2028 season.
“I was very small,” Jefferson recounted, admitting he had not been highly acclaimed coming out of high school. “Not very fast. Not explosive, like I am today.
I’ve probably whined to my parents about not being the biggest or strongest. What am I going to do? Just what a tiny kid thinks about as he grows into his physique.
John and Elaine Jefferson, who were sitting nearby with Jordan, one of Jefferson’s older brothers, giggled and nodded in agreement with the memories. “I really had to be patient about that,” Jefferson admitted.
“Seeing what [Jordan] went through and hearing the many stories my parents were telling me, I realized he had to go through the same things I was.
“So it was just about being patient, all about staying the course and working my butt off,” he stated.
It’s a work ethic that has propelled Jefferson to his current status as probably the NFL’s best wide receiver.
According to Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, it continues to manifest itself both on and off the field.
Adofo-Mensah referenced last season’s Week 16 game against the Lions, in which the Vikings attempted a comeback in the last two minutes.
Most will recall Minnesota facing third-and-27 and Jefferson’s 28-yard, leaping grab while sandwiched between two defenders.
However, Adofo-Mensah finds that the prior play sticks out the most. Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens was sacked for a 12-yard loss and fumbled the ball, which squibbled further into Minnesota territory.
As linemen began to follow the ball, Jefferson raced back down the sideline and dove headfirst into the cluster, recovering the fumble and keeping the Vikings’ drive alive.
“A lot of athletes and individuals talk about ‘winning’ and what that means, but it’s just lip service.
But when you go out on the field and demonstrate it in that manner, that’s something I’ll never forget,” Adofo-Mensah added, glancing at Jefferson. “I think I told you after the game, ‘Hopefully I’ll be there when the Gold Jacket is fit.
‘” But that is the one I will tell my children I saw while I was there.
“Ultimately when you have moments like that in your mind, and you know how he contributes to our culture – the joy and the positivity, all that – this day was going to come,” said Adofo-Mensah.
“I never thought for a second that we weren’t going to
Tuesday felt like a full circle event for Jefferson, who began his NFL career at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak and was selected 22nd overall in a virtual draft.
Jefferson is overjoyed to have loved ones in the room to celebrate the pinnacle of his career so far.
“Shout out to the Lord, God. “Without Him, none of this would be possible,” Jefferson stated to begin his news conference.
“Of course, shout out to my parents.” Shout out to Jordan, Rickey, and my entire family.
I have a tremendous support system in everything I do, from when I was a tiny kid to today, being in the league and playing professionally.
They’ve been with us every step of the way.
“I couldn’t ask for better family members.”
Jefferson also expressed gratitude to the Wilf family, Adofo-Mensah, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, and many others. “This is something I’ve been waiting for, for a long, long time,” he stated.
“Not only from a financial aspect, but also to ensure that my family is prepared for future generations.
“I mean, just to be given this opportunity to play at the highest level, to have a contract that will set me up for life, and to be playing for this organization.”
Jefferson echoed what Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell had stated: the idea was always to maintain No. 18 in a Vikings jersey. “I love every single thing about [this organization],” he stated.
“From the fans, coaches, and teammates, to
Jefferson has gotten emotional congrats and good reactions from teammates, including tight end T.J. Hockenson, who greeted the receiver with excitement and an embrace upon his return to the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on Monday afternoon.
O’Connell stated that Jefferson “means the world” to the Minnesota locker room. “Seeing him today back around his teammates, yesterday back around his teammates – he’s a people changer,” O’Connell stated. “He is a culture changer.
And he embodies everything we want our organization to be about. Jefferson takes his role as a leader for his classmates very seriously.
He’s already displayed those abilities throughout the last four seasons, but he told media that he intends to “carry myself a different way” from now on.
“Justin, I know [adversity you’ve faced] is only going to make you stronger as we continue to build together, and with that ‘together,’ we’ll continue to bring out the best in each other,” O’Connell said to the receiver.
“In addition to all of your individual accomplishments, and the delight I’ve had coaching you, I know we’re still seeking a championship together.
“With your lead, I look forward to watch you continue to grow into a leader on this team and set the standard at a world-class level for the rest of your teammates and coaches,” said O’Connell.
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