Justin Jefferson Sets NFL Record: Rapidly Racking up Receiving Yards

September 15, 2023

Athlete Studio


Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has once again made history, reaching an impressive milestone in his young career. In just his 52nd game, Jefferson became the fastest player to accumulate 5,000 career receiving yards, surpassing the previous record set by Odell Beckham Jr. in 54 games.

The record-breaking moment occurred during the second quarter when Jefferson made a crucial 4-yard reception on a third-and-1 play, bringing his total receiving yards to an impressive 5,002.

But Jefferson's remarkable performance didn't stop there. Shortly after reaching the milestone, he added another 30 yards to his tally. Unfortunately, his exceptional run was cut short as the ball was knocked out of his hand at the 1-yard line. Initially, officials ruled that the ball had gone out of bounds before crossing the goal line. However, upon review, it was determined that the ball had crossed the pylon before going out of bounds, resulting in a touchback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The turn of events proved costly for the Vikings as the Eagles swiftly capitalized on the touchback, driving 37 yards in just 34 seconds to kick an impressive 61-yard field goal, giving them a 13-7 halftime lead.

Despite the setback, Jefferson's impact on the game was undeniable. He was targeted on Minnesota's first two offensive snaps, showcasing his exceptional skills with a diving catch for a 15-yard gain and a reception in heavy traffic that gained a yard.

Jefferson's record-breaking achievement comes as no surprise given his outstanding performance in previous seasons. Starting his fourth pro season with an already impressive 4,825 career receiving yards, he has consistently been one of the league's top players since 2020.

In Week 1 alone, Jefferson recorded a remarkable 150 yards, bringing his total to an astounding 4,975 yards as he enters Week 2.


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