History of Justin Jefferson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

Justin Jefferson is a premier wide receiver in the National Football League, currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Since being drafted in 2020, he has established himself as one of the most productive and explosive offensive threats in professional football. Known for his elite route-running, exceptional hands, and the signature 'Griddy' touchdown celebration, Jefferson quickly shattered numerous rookie and single-season receiving records. He became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 5,000 career receiving yards and was named the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. His consistent ability to produce highlight-reel catches under pressure has cemented his status as a perennial Pro Bowler and an All-Pro talent, widely considered by analysts and peers alike as the best wide receiver in the sport today.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Randy Moss Sets Vikings Rookie Receiving Record

In 1998, Randy Moss established a Minnesota Vikings franchise record by recording 69 receptions during his rookie season, a benchmark that stood until it was surpassed by Justin Jefferson in 2020.

June 16, 1999: Birth of Justin Jefferson

Justin Jamal Jefferson was born on June 16, 1999, in the United States.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Anquan Boldin's rookie receiving record

In 2003, Anquan Boldin established an NFL record for the most receiving yards by a rookie with 1,400, a benchmark that would eventually be surpassed by Justin Jefferson.

2017: Justin Jefferson's Freshman Year at LSU

During the 2017 collegiate season, Justin Jefferson appeared in two games for Louisiana State University but did not record any catches.

September 29, 2018: First Collegiate Touchdown

On September 29, 2018, Justin Jefferson recorded his first collegiate touchdown, a 65-yard reception from quarterback Joe Burrow during a game against Ole Miss.

2019: Justin Jefferson's 2019 College Football Season

During the 2019 season, Justin Jefferson had a breakout year with the LSU Tigers, achieving 111 receptions, 18 receiving touchdowns, and 1,540 receiving yards. His performance included record-breaking efforts in the Peach Bowl and a victory in the National Championship against Clemson, contributing to the team's undefeated record and playoff run.

January 15, 2020: Declaration for the NFL Draft

On January 15, 2020, Justin Jefferson officially announced his decision to skip his senior season at LSU and declare himself eligible for the NFL draft to pursue a professional football career.

July 27, 2020: Justin Jefferson Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List

On July 27, 2020, Justin Jefferson was placed on the Minnesota Vikings' reserve/COVID-19 list as part of the team's protocols during the 2020 season, though he was later activated one week after this date.

2020: College Championship and NFL Draft Entry

In 2020, Justin Jefferson won the College Football Playoff National Championship as a junior with the LSU Tigers and was subsequently selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.

April 27, 2021: Fortnite Griddy Integration

On April 27, 2021, Justin Jefferson became the first NFL athlete to be officially featured in the game Fortnite through the inclusion of his signature touchdown celebration, the Griddy.

2021: Justin Jefferson's record-breaking 2021 NFL season

During the 2021 season, Justin Jefferson established himself as a premier receiver, culminating in 1,616 receiving yards and securing NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors in November. He also set the record for most receiving yards in a player's first two seasons, surpassing Odell Beckham Jr.

2021: Justin Jefferson's breakout accolades

Throughout 2021, Justin Jefferson received significant recognition for his record-breaking rookie season, including being named to the 2021 Pro Bowl, receiving the Sporting News Rookie of the Year award, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team, and being ranked 53rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 list.

2022: 2022 NFL Regular Season Statistical Leader

During the 2022 regular season, Justin Jefferson led the NFL with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards, while also recording nine total touchdowns consisting of eight receiving and one rushing.

2022: Justin Jefferson's post-2021 season accolades

In 2022, Justin Jefferson was recognized for his outstanding 2021 performance by being named to the Pro Bowl, earning AP All-Pro second-team honors for the second consecutive year, and being ranked 17th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022 list.

2022: Justin Jefferson's Historic 2022 NFL Season

In 2022, at the age of 23, Justin Jefferson established himself as an elite NFL talent by leading the league in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809). His exceptional performance during the 2022 season resulted in him being named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

April 25, 2023: Fifth-year Option Picked Up

On April 25, 2023, the Minnesota Vikings officially exercised the fifth-year option on Justin Jefferson's rookie contract, extending his commitment to the team.

October 11, 2023: Placed on Injured Reserve

On October 11, 2023, Justin Jefferson was placed on injured reserve by the Minnesota Vikings following a hamstring injury sustained during the Week 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

November 28, 2023: Activated from Injured Reserve

The Minnesota Vikings officially activated Justin Jefferson from injured reserve on November 28, 2023, allowing him to return to active gameplay.

2023: 2023 NFL Season Performance and Record Achievement

During the 2023 season, Justin Jefferson overcame a seven-game injury absence to surpass 1,000 receiving yards and set an NFL record for the most receiving yards accumulated through a player's first four professional seasons.

2023: 2023 Awards and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2023, Jefferson received the Offensive Player of the Year award and The Sporting News Offensive Player of the Year title, was a finalist for league MVP, and was ranked second on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023 list.

June 3, 2024: Contract Extension with Minnesota Vikings

On June 3, 2024, Justin Jefferson signed a significant four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which included $110 million in guaranteed money and established him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

2024: Ranked in NFL Top 100 Players of 2024

In 2024, Justin Jefferson was recognized for his outstanding skills by his peers, who voted him the 18th best player in the league as part of the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024 list.

2024: Justin Jefferson's record-breaking 2024 season

Throughout the 2024 season, Justin Jefferson achieved several major career milestones, including catching his 400th career reception, tying for the fastest player to 6,000 receiving yards in NFL history, and becoming the fourth receiver to record 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons. He earned first team All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl selection, and concluded the season with 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns.

2025: Justin Jefferson's 2025 NFL season performance and record achievement

During the 2025 NFL season, Justin Jefferson recorded 84 receptions for 1,048 receiving yards and two touchdowns, marking his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season to begin his professional career.

2025: NFL Top 100 Players ranking

In 2025, Justin Jefferson was recognized by his peers as the ninth best player in the league on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025 list.

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2028: Conclusion of Contract Term

The four-year contract extension signed by Justin Jefferson ensures his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings will extend through the end of the 2028 season.