Justin Jefferson Joins Elite Company as Third-Fastest Player Ever to Reach 8,500 Receiving Yards

Justin Jefferson crossed 8500 receiving yards in the win over the Packers.

Justin Jefferson Joins Elite Company as Third-Fastest Player Ever to Reach 8,500 Receiving Yards

Justin Jefferson (Image via IMAGO)

Just two touchdowns last season did little to lower Justin Jefferson’s stock as the league’s best wide receiver. Jefferson redeemed himself during Sunday’s victory over rivals the Green Bay Packers while etching his name in the record books.

Since the Vikings drafted him 22nd overall in 2020, Jefferson has received passes from nine different quarterbacks. In the offseason, the Vikings added former Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray, increasing the number to 10.

Murray lasted a little over nine minutes in the first quarter. He left the game with a suspected concussion. Carson Wentz filled in and threw two touchdown passes to Jefferson, equaling last year’s total.

The 27-year-old also gained 92 yards on 8 total receptions, enough to cross 8,500 career receiving yards. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Justin Jefferson, who now has 8,572 career receiving yards in 95 career games, became the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 8,500 receiving yards, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Lance Alworth (90 games) and Julio Jones (90).

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Justin Jefferson gets candid about his performance against the Packers

The Packers held the slight edge at kickoff as it was unclear what version of Kyler Murray would show up for the Vikings. Murray’s first pass as a Viking was an interception, and in the second drive he collided with two Packers defenders, leaving the game altogether.

Justin Jefferson Joins Elite Company as Third-Fastest Player Ever to Reach 8,500 Receiving Yards
Justin Jefferson (Image via IMAGO)

Wentz struggled in the early parts. He threw a couple of wayward passes. But once he got into his stride, the veteran passer started finding his teammates on nearly every attempt. Jefferson benefited the most. He equaled his last season’s touchdown tally in the final two quarters.

After the game, Jefferson appeared on SportsCenter and declared himself the best receiver in the NFL without hesitation.

I guess you can say it was a get back from last year, but just really a grinding offseason, just putting in that work, expecting a lot from myself to come out here and continue to show that I am the best receiver in the league. To come out here, and help my team win… Getting two touchdowns, it was big for us.

Justin Jefferson said on SportsCenter

Wentz also threw a touchdown pass to right end TJ Hockenson. He also set up rushing touchdowns for both Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones. The Vikings secured a seventeen-point victory over their NFC North rivals.

In defense, James Pierre marked his Vikings debut by picking off Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love. Levi Drake Rodriguez and Dallas Turner recorded one sack each, while veteran Andrew Van Ginkel had 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a forced return.

Justin Jefferson conveyed an emotional message to Kyler Murray

Murray stayed down after Packers Javon Bullard and Lukas Van Ness collided with him in the first quarter. Replays showed Murray’s arms flailing on his side, consistent with concussion symptoms. He didn’t play any further.

Jefferson spoke about Murray after the game.

First and foremost, definitely thinking about Kyler, and definitely just prayers out to him. Don’t want to see one of our brothers go down with that kind of injury, but it was good to see him walk off the field, talk, and still be with us.

Jefferson told CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson

Murray’s debut ended with 3 completions from 5 attempts for 18 yards and one interception. He also rushed twice for 9 yards. The Vikings will further evaluate Murray’s condition before their big Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

The Vikings and Bears shared the spoils last season. Jefferson had 9 total catches for 105 yards and one touchdown.

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