01/04/26 05:00:00
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01/04 16:58 CST Vikings get Justin Jefferson past the 1,000-yard mark in the
final game of a trying season
Vikings get Justin Jefferson past the 1,000-yard mark in the final game of a
trying season
By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Pro Football Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) --- Justin Jefferson finally passed the 1,000-yard mark in the
last game of the season for the Minnesota Vikings.
With his fifth catch on Sunday against the rival Green Bay Packers, a simple
hitch route he turned into a 17-yard gain, the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver
hit the four-digit mark for the sixth consecutive year. Jefferson immediately
received a loud ovation from the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd.
"He should never play a season for the Minnesota Vikings and not get to those
numbers," said coach Kevin O'Connell, who routinely praised Jefferson's
attitude and leadership throughout the season despite career lows in every
significant category for the two-time All-Pro.
Jefferson was again roundly cheered in the third quarter when he passed the
100-yard mark for the first time in 12 games. He finished Minnesota's 16-3
victory over the Packers with eight receptions for 101 yards on 11 targets.
The only other receivers in NFL history to start their careers with six
straight 1,000-yard seasons were Randy Moss (1998-2003) and Mike Evans
(2014-19).
Jefferson has the most receiving yardage (8,480) all time over a player's first
six years in the league. This was by far his most difficult season, with the
Vikings' offense frequently struggling throughout the developmental process for
quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed seven games due to injuries.
"Definitely relieved, just off of a difficult year, emotionally and physically,
to come out with the attitude of trying to finish the game and trying to leave
a mark and show the world that I'm still the best receiver in the league,"
Jefferson said. "It definitely felt great just to get that accolade and to
really go into the offseason with a good taste in my mouth, but it's definitely
on to more work, on to getting my young 'un right, making sure that we don't
have the same outcome this season."
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