The Vikings receiver was recognized Wednesday at the 2023 ESPN ESPY Awards, taking home the "Best Play" honor for his gravity-defying, 32-yard catch on fourth-and-18 at Buffalo last season.
With Minnesota trailing 27-23 just inside the 2-minute warning of regulation time, Kirk Cousins went for it all with a deep pass to No. 18.
Jefferson leapt into the air and managed to get the fingertips of his right hand around the ball, pulling it away from Bills cornerback Cam Lewis as the two fell to the turf. The astounding grab played a role in Minnesota's exhilarating come-from-behind victory over the Bills in Week 10.
Jefferson didn't have his teammates alongside him in Los Angeles but proudly accepted the award on stage, showing off that signature smile.
It's not the first time his catch has been honored; in February, it was named "Moment of the Year" at the NFL Honors ceremony. A photo of the play, taken by Vikings photographer Alli Rusco, was named Photo of the Year at the 2023 Hashtag Sports Awards.
Jefferson was one of four nominees for the Best Play ESPY, joining the following:
- Michael Block's hole-in-one in the 2023 PGA Championship
- UCLA's Ally Lemos with the perfect corner kick to tie the NCAA Women's National Championship game
- Florida's Trinity Thomas' Perfect 10 to tie the all-time NCAA record
Jefferson also was nominated for the category of Best NFL Player, along with Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, and 49ers DE Nick Bosa.
Prior to Jefferson, the Vikings had most recently been awarded an ESPY in July 2018. Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs received "Best Moment" for the incredible Minneapolis Miracle walk-off touchdown that lifted Minnesota over New Orleans in the Divisional Round playoff game.
Adrian Peterson won two ESPYs in 2013 when he took home the award for Best Comeback as well as Best NFL Player.
