The Minnesota Vikings are overseas, taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin for Week 4, and it figures to be a historic event for wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson, 26, is a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time First Team All-Pro, and was the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. In Week 4, he can climb even higher among the ranks in Vikings franchise history.
And the next milestone is well within reach.
Justin Jefferson Poised to Become 3rd-Leading WR in Vikings History
GettyJustin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Jefferson needs 5 yards to pass Anthony Carter for third on the Vikings’ all-time list. The No. 22 overall pick of the 2020 draft, Jefferson does not take his achievements lightly.
“It’s always cool to get the accolades and achieve those goals,” Jefferson told Vikings media’s Tatum Everett in a clip from “Vikings Gameday Live” on September 27 from a 1-on-1 interview that will air in full on game day. “I’m always trying to chase greatness, and that’s definitely the conversation that I want to be in when it’s all said and done.”
This season, Jefferson has drawn attention amid speculation that he has grown frustrated with his lack of involvement in the offense. Jefferson’s 66.7 receiving yards per game would be a career low.
However, he embraces the impact he makes just by being on the field.
“It’s kind of crazy because ever since I got into this league, I’ve been in a big role on this team. Even without the ball in my hand, I’m still carrying a lot of attention,” Jefferson said. “I never got as many double teams and triple teams as much as I do now. It’s very crazy. But I had to understand, I’m still creating those big plays without even touching the ball.
“I have to talk to myself sometimes and make the positive out of it instead of focusing on the negative.”
Justin Jefferson Happy to Have Adam Thielen Back
GettyAdam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before facing the Chicago Bears.
Jefferson has some help in keeping opposing defenses occupied, with the return of former running mate and fellow Pro Bowler Adam Thielen. The Vikings reacquired Thielen in a trade with the Carolina Panthers during training camp.
Jefferson said, “It’s been great” having Thielen back.
“It’s been great, honestly, just to have that happy vibe back in the building,” Jefferson said. “He’s always ready to work, and he always come prepared every single day, and that’s what I love about him the most. He was that big brother to me and kept me under his wing, and that’s the same type of vibe that I try to have for him as well.”
Thielen, 35, is not the same threat that he was when he left the Vikings in free agency in 2023, but he does not need to be. Jordan Addison is back after serving a three-game suspension.
With Addison and Thielen on the field, Jefferson could roam freer in the Vikings’ offense.
Justin Jefferson Planning New International Griddy
GettyJustin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings poses for the camera against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jefferson spoke about embracing the support from fans overseas and seeing his jersey in the stands. He cited NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan’s stance in “The Last Dance” documentary about performing as expected for those in attendance.
He also told reporters that he plans on debuting a new variation of his “Griddy” TD celebration.
“It’s always love,” Jefferson said. “I’m juiced for it, and I’m excited to be in Ireland for the first time.
“Pretty sick [seeing jersey] because it’s in a different country. They’ve probably never seen me play a down of football, but this is the chance that they can get to see me up close and personal.”
“I always remember when Michael Jordan said that there’s always a person that’s seeing you play for the first time, every single game. I kind of try to keep that on my mind every single game that I try to perform and give everybody a show because, of course, there’s kids in that stadium that wants me to griddy for the first time, that wants me to have a nice catch,” Jefferson said.
“It’s always juices flowing, and I always try to give the fans what they came to see.”
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