USA Today via Reuters
Dec 20, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports| Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 20, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports| Reuters
NFL franchise Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson recently surpassed Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr. during the Vikings-Rams game on Sunday. He became the player with the most receiving yards in his first two seasons after his third catch in the game. The former record holder, Odell Beckham Jr., set the mark in his 2015 season with the New York Giants.
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The moment occurred at the beginning periods of the third quarter when QB Kirk Cousins found him for a 9-yard pass. Though the Vikings ended up losing the game, Jefferson finished with 8 catches for 116 yards in a 30-23 defeat.
On breaking the record, Jefferson stated, “Blessed, honor to God, just being in this situation, breaking his record with him [Beckham] in the building. It was no other perfect situation for me.
For Jefferson, the game seemed a dream for reaching the mark, but it is a Herculean feat that will need work to be eclipsed.
In Week 16, @JJettas2 surpassed Odell Beckham Jr. (2,755 yards) for the most receiving yards by a player in his first two seasons.
Jefferson's game-worn jersey and shoes along with a game ball have arrived in Canton to preserve this moment in history.@Vikings | #Skol
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) January 1, 2022
Breaking Odell Beckham Jr.’s Record and Competitive Spirit
While speaking on Thursday, Jefferson said, “I’m excited. I feel like I live for these moments, ever since I was a kid. Just going up against that top guy, I’m a natural competitor.”
He elaborates on his humble beginnings by saying, “I’ve been a competitor since I was playing in the backyard with my family. To me, it’s a statement game for me considering myself one of the top receivers in the league and solidifying myself.”
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Despite having the record broken, it was OBJ who had the last laugh who along with his team won the game and in the end the day.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 29, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Despite his monumental day, Jefferson wasn’t in the least satisfied with the lack of aggressiveness from the Vikings. He was open in admitting, “I think we should be more aggressive when we get down there, as soon as we get down there. But, I’m not the one calling the plays.”
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Jefferson’s demand isn’t at all farcical but something that the Vikings need to work towards for the next season. Cousins and his teammates will surely be hoping for Jefferson to show his quality when they need him next year.
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