History of Justin Jefferson in Timeline
Justin Jamal Jefferson is an American football wide receiver who plays for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. He gained prominence in college football as a player for the LSU Tigers, where he won the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship during his junior year. His impressive college career led to him being drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
1998: Broke Randy Moss' Rookie Receiving Record
During the 2020 season, Justin Jefferson broke Randy Moss' Vikings rookie receiving record set in 1998 by recording 74 receptions, surpassing Moss' 69 catches.
June 16, 1999: Birth of Justin Jefferson
On June 16, 1999, Justin Jamal Jefferson was born. He would grow up to become an American football wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.
2003: Surpassed Anquan Boldin's Rookie Record
In 2020, Justin Jefferson set the NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie by surpassing Anquan Boldin's 1,377 yards record set in 2003. His record was later broken by Ja'Marr Chase.
2017: First Year at LSU
In 2017, Justin Jefferson appeared in two games for LSU but did not record any catches during his first year on the team.
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: Historic College Football Playoff Performance
In 2019, Justin Jefferson had a historic performance in the College Football Playoff Semifinals, catching 14 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns against Oklahoma. He also led LSU to a National Championship victory over Clemson.
January 15, 2020: Declared for NFL Draft
On January 15, 2020, Justin Jefferson announced that he would forgo his senior season at LSU to enter the NFL Draft.
July 27, 2020: Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 List
On July 27, 2020, Justin Jefferson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Minnesota Vikings. He was cleared and activated a week later.
2020: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings
In 2020, Justin Jefferson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the NFL Draft after winning the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship with LSU.
April 27, 2021: Justin Jefferson added to Fortnite
On April 27, 2021, Justin Jefferson became the first NFL player to be added to the popular video game Fortnite, featuring his signature dance, the Griddy.
2021: Second in NFL Receiving Yards
In the 2021 season, Justin Jefferson finished with 1,616 receiving yards, the second-most in the NFL. He was named to the Pro Bowl and ranked 17th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022 list.
2021: Named to Pro Bowl and NFL All-Rookie Team
In 2021, Justin Jefferson was named to the Pro Bowl and the NFL All-Rookie Team. He also ranked 53rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 list.
2022: Led NFL in Receptions and Receiving Yards
In 2022, Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors. He was also ranked second on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023 list.
2022: Led NFL in Receptions and Receiving Yards
In 2022, Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receptions with 128 and receiving yards with 1,809. He earned the Offensive Player of the Year award and was a final candidate for MVP.
2022: Youngest Player to Lead NFL in Receptions and Yards
In 2022, at just 23 years old, Justin Jefferson became the youngest player to lead the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.
April 25, 2023: Vikings Pick Up Fifth-Year Option
On April 25, 2023, the Minnesota Vikings picked up the fifth-year option of Justin Jefferson's rookie contract.
October 11, 2023: Placed on Injured Reserve
On October 11, 2023, Justin Jefferson was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
November 28, 2023: Activated Off Injured Reserve
On November 28, 2023, Justin Jefferson was activated off injured reserve by the Minnesota Vikings after recovering from a hamstring injury.
2023: Ranked Second on NFL Top 100 Players of 2023
In 2023, Justin Jefferson was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023 list.
2023: Set NFL Record for Most Receiving Yards in First Four Seasons
In 2023, despite missing seven games due to injury, Justin Jefferson set an NFL record for the most receiving yards through a player's first four seasons.