The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver is a dog lover! Justin Jefferson boasts some world-class catches in the league, including his one-handed catch last season against the Buffalo Bills. And that’s one of the reasons, he now boasts a four-year, $140 million contract extension. Additionally, his being a catch master has benefitted his dog.

Even before coming to the league, Jefferson added his dog into the family. And now the professional athlete is a proud parent of Apollo, admitting that he means the world to him. Let’s dig further into the story to know about the 5-year-old handsome hunk!

Justin Jefferson is a parent to a German Shepherd!

The star receiver for the Vikings, Justin Jefferson, shares a special bond with his reportedly 5-year-old German Shepherd, Apollo. The energetic dog loves to chase and catch his favorite green ball, a skill Jefferson jokes he taught him. Much like his owner, Apollo displays impressive athleticism, though his dance skills, particularly the Griddy, needed some work in 2021. However, by now, it’s expected that Apollo might have learned that too.

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Jefferson, who grew up with a pit bull-boxer mix, always wanted a German Shepherd for their intelligence and protective nature. He finally got Apollo during his junior year at LSU, and they have been inseparable since. By nature, Apollo is a fun-loving dog. Despite occasional mischief, like locking Jefferson out of his apartment, Apollo is a cherished companion, especially during the pandemic.

Jefferson in a 2021 interview, recalled, “It was time for me to focus on him even more than I [previously] had time to. We definitely had more time to really get to know each other.” He also revealed that Apollo is well-trained, as “If I hide his ball somewhere, I’ll tell him, ‘Go look for the ball,’ and he’ll search everywhere until he finds it.”

Jefferson appreciated the unconditional love and companionship Apollo provides, calling him his friend and bud. Their connection is evident as they enjoy playing together, strengthening their bond daily.

It is reported that Jefferson also works with “Warrior Dog Rescue,” and was a part of a group of over 20 dogs who were surrendered to rescue.

Justin Jefferson and the Vikings are friends of the dog rescue program!

Along with other partners, the Vikings too, collaborate with the Warrior Dog Rescue program. Many players of the franchise, including dog parent Justin Jefferson, work for the organization. According to the organization’s website, Warrior Dog Rescue is dedicated to rescuing dogs in various difficult situations.

They take in “dogs that are homeless, abandoned in shelters, surrendered by their owners, abused, neglected or left wandering.” Furthermore, the organization doesn’t discriminate based on age, breed, health condition, size, or how much love they have received in the past. Their mission is to ensure that all dogs, regardless of their background, experience the care and affection they deserve from humans.

And Justin Jefferson is ‘pawsitively’ contributing to that!