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Justin Jefferson breaks NFL record that has stood for over 20 years
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Justin Jefferson’s torrid start to his NFL career continues.
The LSU great continues to show not just why the Minnesota Vikings took him in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but has left people wondering why he didn’t go a lot sooner.
Jefferson totaled 1,400 yards as a rookie (a record) while adding 1,616 yards to his total in his 2nd season. Heading into Thursday night’s game against the New England Patriots, he had 1,093 yards through 10 games in 2022 and 4,109 in his career, 2nd only to Hall of Famer and former Vikings legend Randy Moss (4,163 from 1998-2000) for the most in NFL history through the first 3 seasons of a player’s career.
Moss’s mark has now fallen as, in the 2nd quarter, Jefferson passed him with a 37-yard catch to give him 4,186 yards and counting. Through the 1st half, he has 6 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown as his career total sits at 4,203.
With 6 regular-season games to go after Thursday, Jefferson has plenty of time to put more distance between himself and Moss.
With that 37-yard reception, WR @JJettas2 (4,186) set a new NFL record for most receiving yards through a players first three seasons. He passes the previous record of 4,163 yards set by Randy Moss. pic.twitter.com/jg3aLGx0Fy
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) November 25, 2022
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
