“I Strongly Believe That He’s the Best Receiver in This League”: Vikings Star Ends Debate on Number One WR After Another Unsuccessful Season in Minnesota

Two big names on a single roster often create substantial tension and ego battles on-field and in the locker room. And more when it’s in the same position. However, such is not the case for the Minnesota Vikings. Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson’s relationship is slightly different.

Justin Jefferson topped the wide receivers chart this season with some astonishing numbers. And the Vikings wideout is well on the way to joining some Hall of Fame names with his current run. Adam Thielen was quick to answer the ‘best receiver in the league’ question. For Adam, it’s his teammate, JJ.

Adam Thielen picks Vikings’ teammate as present no. 1

“Oh, it’s Justin Jefferson. For sure,” he told TMZ after the Super Bowl. Thielen and Jefferson have been manning the wide lines together for three years now. And he clearly appreciates all the free spaces he gets because of JJ having the secondary’s attention.

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In his third Pro Bowl year, former LSU wideout Justin Jefferson had 8 touchdowns in the 2022-23 season. And his 1809 receiving yards, 128 receptions, and his 49 20-plus yards receptions, all topped the wide receiver list this year.

This is not the first time Thielen has appreciated having the Offensive Player of the Year by his side. “I strongly believe that he’s the best receiver in this league. And you just have an extra motivation to cheer for a guy that is not only a great football player, and what he does on the football field is amazing, but he’s an even better person,” Thielen said after beating the New Orleans Saints in London back in October 2022.

JJ is still not the best Minnesota Vikings WR for Adam

He may be the best right now. However, for someone who grew up watching the Vikings, Adam Thielen cannot put Justin Jefferson at the top of the all-time Minnesota wide receiver list. The Vikings do have some past powerhouses in that position.

“He will be in the conversation at some point. But I grew up watching Randy Moss and Cris Carter. So, those are my guys,” Thielen said about his all-time wideout greats. However, leaving behind big names like Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs is no laughing matter either. Also, JJ broke a long-time Randy Moss record this season. So he may not be that far off.

Thielen also clarified in the brief interview that there is no ego battle between the wide receivers in Minnesota. And they help take pressure off each other in challenging moments. This comradery showed off during their NFC North championship and playoff run this season and is sure to bring many more fruits to the Purple and Gold army.

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