It had been months in the making, but the moment had finally arrived. Back in 2000, the Twin Cities witnessed two of its legendary athletes, Kevin Garnett and Randy Moss, exchange jerseys and pose together. Now, a new generation has taken up the mantle. Anthony Edwards, the electrifying All-Star guard for the Timberwolves, and Justin Jefferson, the speedy Vikings receiver, have recreated that iconic Sports Illustrated shot. But it’s the moments leading up to it that truly highlighted how much these two athletes have in common.

In that sense, it wouldn’t be wrong to say Edwards lives vicariously through the NFL Pro Bowler. “I’m like, ‘That’s me if I could play football. I’d be putting on a show in the end zone,’” he said of Jefferson’s electric LSU run. Coincidentally, not only did Ant-Man play youth football, but Jefferson, the former 22nd NFL draft pick, grew up as a basketball fan. So, beyond exchanging jerseys, the two also engaged in a friendly yet intense challenge, reflecting their fierce competitive spirit.

In a video posted by ESPN, Edwards, who recently claimed he would transition to the NFL, threw a seamless spiral into the basket a few feet from him. It assured him of his prior claims. “I don’t just be talking,” the 23-year-old screamed. In the game of PIG, the action was ow on Jefferson who felt “Damn, I got to make it,”.

And so, he channeled his forgotten, yet highly skilled shooting skills and made the shot. Edwards could only react with a gasp, no words fell out of his mouth. Justin Jefferson does turn to basketball in the offseason as a form of cardio, and shooting is among his primary skills. Hence, just like that, both the Minnesota foundational athletes sent a sharp retort to one another.

But their dynamic sent the sporting world shockwaves.

Anthony Edwards and Justin Jefferson are well-received

The fans had a field day with the official release of the legendary SI remake. Not only that, but in the same week Justin Jefferson’s 81-yard performance also saw him become the 6th most prolific receiver in Vikings history. And the Wolves, with a new core in place, are considered to be contenders for the coming season. Hence, not many could hold their breath for long.

“The future Vikings duo. Timberwolves will win soon,” an excited follower sarcastically mentioned. The roots of the conversation go back to Anthony Edwards’ audacious interaction with his fellow NFL peer. While Jefferson can’t see Ant make a run in the NFL, the Wolves guard has promised if he does, “because he think I can’t play football. I’ma come play with you,”.

The Vikings also chimed in reacting to the post. Both the Minnesota athletes are at the apex of their respective sports. Edwards, a charismatic basketball star is touted to be the next face of the league. On the other hand, Justin Jefferson is coming off a stellar campaign, claiming Offensive Player of The Year honors.

With that, the NFL franchise coined a new term for them. Some Game of Thrones fans might love it too. They dubbed them the “Kings of the North”. 

However, with an outpour of love always comes some negativity. In this case, though, it’s about respecting the classic. Garnett and Moss’ image remains immortal as it was not just the first of its kind, but it holds great significance to Minnesota sports. That’s why, some fans couldn’t rank the latest recreation above them.

“KG and Moss OG shot never being beaten” one such comment read. The original might hold more gravitas. But even those in the picture felt the need for a spark in Minnesota. Kevin Garnett might have been critical of Edwards’ skill-based comments, but he did provide his blessings when it came to recreating his iconic photoshoot. “They should run it,” he wrote.

What do you think about Anthony Edwards and Justin Jefferson uniting? Let us know your views in the comments below.