Justin Jefferson’s 5,134 career passing yards in the NFL are now more than any wide receiver in the 103-year history of the Chicago Bears; Week 2 of the NFL continues on Sunday with the Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars from 6pm live on Sky Sports
Last updated: 09/15/23 at 10:54 AM
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson stamped his name in the NFL history books Thursday night by tying Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the fewest games needed to reach 5,000 receiving yards.
The Minnesota Vikings star caught 11 passes for 159 yards in his team’s 34-28 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles to also become the second player behind Randy Moss to reach 5,000 yards before the age of 25, finishing the evening at 5,134.
Fans were quick to point out that in doing so, Jefferson now boasts more career receiving yards than any Chicago Bears wide receiver in the franchise’s 103-year history.
Meanwhile, Jefferson, who turns 24 in June, played his fifth game with at least 10 catches and 150 yards, also the most of any NFL player before turning 25.
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Justin Jefferson appeared to apologize to his Minnesota Vikings teammates after a fumble at the goal line, which led to a rebound for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jefferson had one of the game’s defining moments when he fumbled a catch on a 30-yard run at the Eagles’ one-yard line while trying to extend his arms into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown, but lost control when tackled. .
The loose ball then landed in the end zone and went out of bounds for a rebound in a reminder of one of the NFL’s most divisive rules.
“I put a lot on myself, fumbling into the end zone like that when we need points,” Jefferson said. “Being the captain, I have to know the situation, take care of the ball. I told my teammates that this is my responsibility and it will not happen again.”
It was one of four turnovers committed by the Vikings on the night, all of which were lost fumbles.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson explains why he loves putting on a show for fans and how high expectations come as extra motivation.
“You don’t win a lot of games like that in this league,” Jefferson added. “I feel like we have to do better on the turnover side. We just have to stick to the ball, take care of the ball, and I feel like the game will be completely different.”
The former LSU wideout was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 after leading the NFL with 128 catches for 1,809 yards.
Watch the Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars live on Sky Sports NFL from 6pm on Sunday, followed by the New York Jets on the road against the Dallas Cowboys from 9.25pm; The Miami Dolphins then face the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.
