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 football wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. He played college football at LSU, winning a national championship in 2020. He was then drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and has quickly become one of the league's top receivers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2017: First Year at LSU

In 2017, Justin Jefferson appeared in two games for LSU 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: Key Performances and College Football Playoffs Qualification

During the 2019 season, Justin Jefferson had multiple standout performances, including a game against Texas with nine receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns, and another against Florida with ten receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown. He also performed well in the SEC Championship against Georgia. Jefferson and the Tigers qualified for the College Football Playoffs with an undefeated record in the 2019 season.

January 15, 2020: Declaration for the NFL Draft

On January 15, 2020, Justin Jefferson announced that 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 while playing college football for the LSU Tigers. He was then drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.

2021: Strong Season Performance

In 2021, Justin Jefferson had a strong season, accumulating over 100 receiving yards in multiple games. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Month awards. He also passed Odell Beckham Jr. for most receiving yards by a player in his first two NFL seasons.

2021: Pro Bowl and Rookie Honors

In 2021, Justin Jefferson was named to the Pro Bowl and received several honors, including Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News and a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2022: Pro Bowl Selection and All-Pro Team

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

2022: Offensive Player of the Year

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

2022: League-Leading Performance and Offensive Player of the Year Award

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 and was a finalist for the league MVP award.

April 25, 2023: Vikings Pick Up Fifth-Year Option

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: Over 1,000 Receiving Yards and NFL Record

Despite missing seven games due to injury, Justin Jefferson still managed to finish the 2023 season with over 1,000 receiving yards. During the season, he set an NFL record for most receiving yards through a player's first four seasons.

June 3, 2024: Contract Extension with the Vikings

On June 3, 2024, Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Vikings, which includes $110 million guaranteed.

2024: Achieving Milestones in Week 2 and Later

In 2024, Justin Jefferson achieved multiple milestones, including a 97-yard touchdown pass in Week 2. He reached 400 career receptions, tied Lance Alworth for the fastest to 6,000 career receiving yards, and passed Torry Holt for the most receiving yards in a player's first five NFL seasons. Jefferson finished the 2024 season with 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns.