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 for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. Before turning pro, Jefferson played college football for the LSU Tigers and won the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship. He was then 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, Justin Jefferson appeared in two games during his first year at 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: Continued Success in 2019 Season

During the 2019 season, Justin Jefferson had multiple games with significant receptions, yards, and touchdowns, including a notable performance in the Peach Bowl and contributing to the Tigers' National Championship victory.

January 15, 2020: Declared for the NFL Draft

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

2020: Won 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship and drafted by Vikings

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

2021: Continued Success in 2021

In 2021, Justin Jefferson had over 100 receiving yards in multiple games, earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Month honors, and broke a record for most receiving yards in his first two NFL seasons.

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

During the 2022 regular season, Justin Jefferson led the league with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards and nine touchdowns. He won the Offensive Player of the Year award and was a candidate for the league MVP award.

2022: Named to 2022 Pro Bowl

In 2022, Justin Jefferson was named to the 2022 Pro Bowl, joining Randy Moss and Sammy White as the only three Vikings wide receivers to make Pro Bowls in each of their first two professional seasons

2022: Offensive Player of the Year Honors

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

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: Over 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 and set an NFL record for most receiving yards through a player's first four seasons.

2023: Ranked Second by Players in 2023

In 2023, Justin Jefferson was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

June 3, 2024: Signed a Four-Year 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: Ranked 18th by Players in 2024

In 2024, Justin Jefferson was ranked 18th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2024: Continued Achievements in 2024 Season

In the 2024 season, Justin Jefferson achieved milestones such as a 97-yard touchdown pass, 400 career receptions, and surpassing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards in a player's first five NFL seasons. He also reached 1,000 receiving yards, becoming the fourth receiver in NFL history to record 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons.