“That don’t kill me, can only make me stronger.” The lyrics suit Vikings’ WR Justin Jefferson to some extent. Like his never-give-up mentality and always-wanting-to-compete attitude, no matter the hurdle. Especially after the Las Vegas Raiders game when he left the gridiron bloodied mouth in the 2023 season. But he returned a week later against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite his team’s loss, the Netflix Documentary captured him saying that he missed his college football buddy that day.

The Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow was not playing against the Vikings at the Paycor Stadium owing to his wrist injury. So no matter the result, which was in the home side’s favor, Jefferson had to hug his ‘bro’ post-game. “I miss you, man,” the Vikings No. 18 said, to which Joe replied, “Love you, buddy.” The interaction between the two was very warm, and it ended with Justin wishing Joe a speedy recovery. The two were part of the National Championship-winning LSU team from 2019.

At the time, no one could have resonated better with the Bengal’s injured star, but his buddy. Just a week before that game, Justin was coughing up blood, which was following his 2-month-long absence due to a hamstring injury. So, he was very familiar with the feeling of “watching” and not being able to play.

However, it was a bitter end to the game for the Minnesota team. Especially for their ‘Viking’ WR, who believed that he gave it his all on the gridiron.

Justin Jefferson gave everything against the Bengals

The football fans who saw the game that day might have already placed their bets for the Vikings’ win before the 4th quarter. And they would have lost their savings as the team gave away a 14-point advantage in the 4th quarter to lose in the overtime.  The game in OT was tied at 24-24. But Evan McPherson‘s 29-yard field goal lifted the spirits of ‘Who Dey Nation’ while sinking the Skol. The Bengals won 27-24 in the OT against the Vikings. But the away team had only themselves to blame.

Post the match, the Vikings’ fans blamed the defence for becoming over-confident in the 4th quarter. But credit where credit is due. The Bengals led by Jake Browning, Tee Higgins and Evan McPherson turned the game on its head. Dragged it to the OT, after which it was game over for the Vikes. The 6th episode of the Netflix Documentary, ‘Receiver’, captures the emotions of Justin Jefferson after that ‘self-inflicted’ loss.

“I feel like I did everything I needed to do. Definitely was difficult not being able to get the W and falling a little bit more behind where we wanna be in the playoffs,” said the dejected Vikings WR. Couldn’t he have done more?

You can say it was he who dragged his franchise to the OT. He caught 7 of 10 targets for 84 yards in his first complete game since the win against the Carolina Panthers on the 1st of October, 2023. But there’s always a little extra you can do, no matter how big you are.

In that same episode of the Netflix documentary, when the cameras pan to the Vikings WR you can hear the broadcaster say, “Hope everybody realizes what we’re seeing in [Justin Jefferson], right now. I mean, we’re seeing the start of one of the best careers in NFL history for a wide receiver.” 

Joe Burrow says he is a 120% fit now and is ready for the 2024 season. So, if Justin’s fit for the whole next season, do you think the bros will meet in the Championship?