Career Timeline of Justin Jefferson: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Justin Jefferson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Justin Jefferson is a professional American football wide receiver currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. He played college football at LSU, where he won a national championship in 2020. Jefferson was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2017: First Year at LSU

In 2017, during his first year at LSU, Justin Jefferson appeared in two games but did not record a catch.

September 29, 2018: First Collegiate Touchdown

On September 29, 2018, Justin Jefferson scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 65-yard reception from Joe Burrow against Ole Miss.

2019: Successful 2019 Season

During the 2019 season, Justin Jefferson had multiple high-yardage and touchdown games against Texas, Florida and Georgia, helping the Tigers qualify for the College Football Playoffs with an undefeated record.

January 15, 2020: NFL Draft Declaration

On January 15, 2020, Justin Jefferson announced he would forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

2020: NFL Draft and National Championship

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

2021: Continued Success in the 2021 Season

In 2021, Justin Jefferson achieved over 100 receiving yards in multiple games. He was also named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November, and passed Odell Beckham Jr. for most receiving yards by a player in his first two NFL seasons.

2021: Pro Bowl Selection and Rookie Honors

In 2021, Justin Jefferson was named to the Pro Bowl and named Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News and to the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2022: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

In 2022, Justin Jefferson was named to the Pro Bowl and the AP All-Pro team for the second consecutive year.

2022: Offensive Player of the Year

In 2022, Justin Jefferson, at 23 years old, led the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809), earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.

2022: League-Leading Stats and Offensive Player of the Year

In the 2022 regular season, Justin Jefferson led the league with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards and nine total touchdowns. He won the Offensive Player of the Year award.

April 25, 2023: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 25, 2023, the Vikings picked up the fifth-year option of Justin Jefferson's rookie contract.

November 28, 2023: Activated off Injured Reserve

On November 28, 2023, the Vikings activated Justin Jefferson off of injured reserve.

2023: 1,000 Receiving Yards in 2023

Despite missing seven games due to injury, Justin Jefferson still managed to finish the 2023 season with over 1,000 receiving yards.

June 3, 2024: Contract Extension

On June 3, 2024, Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Vikings, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

2024: Continued Success in 2024 Season

Throughout the 2024 season, Justin Jefferson reached milestones such as achieving 400 career receptions, tying for the fastest player to reach 6,000 career receiving yards, passing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards in a player's first five NFL seasons and becoming the fourth receiver in NFL history to record 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons.