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. He played college football at LSU, winning a national championship in 2020. He was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
2017: First year at LSU
In 2017, Justin Jefferson appeared in two games and did not record a catch in his first year at LSU.
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
In the 2019 season, Justin Jefferson had multiple high-yardage and touchdown games, including a historic performance in the Peach Bowl and helping the Tigers qualify for the College Football Playoffs with an undefeated record.
January 15, 2020: Declared for NFL Draft
On January 15, 2020, Justin Jefferson announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
2020: Drafted by the Vikings
In 2020, Justin Jefferson won the College Football Playoff National Championship and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the NFL draft.
2021: Continued Success in 2021
In 2021, Justin Jefferson had another strong season, putting up over 100 receiving yards in multiple games. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Month.
2022: Named to the 2022 Pro Bowl
In 2022, Justin Jefferson was named to the 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: NFL Offensive Player of the Year
In 2022, at 23 years old, Justin Jefferson became the youngest player to lead the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809), earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.
2022: League Leader & OPOY
Justin Jefferson finished the 2022 regular season leading the league in receptions and receiving yards. 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 from Injured Reserve
On November 28, 2023, Justin Jefferson was activated off of injured reserve by the Vikings.
2023: Over 1,000 Receiving Yards Despite Injury
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: Signed 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
Throughout the 2024 season, Justin Jefferson achieved milestones, including a 97-yard touchdown pass and reaching 400 career receptions. He also became the fourth receiver in NFL history to record 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons and finished the year with 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns.
