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Justin Jefferson becomes fastest player to 5,000 receiving yards in NFL history
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Justin Jefferson on Thursday night eclipsed the 5,000-yard receiving mark for his career as the Minnesota Vikings visited the Philadelphia Eagles. Jefferson entered the game needing just 25 yards to get to 5,000.
He brought in each of his first 5 targets for 57 yards, tying Lance Alworth (1962-66) as the fastest player in NFL history to reach 5,000 receiving yards in a career. Jefferson accomplished the feat in 52 games.
With 5,032-career receiving yards at the half, WR Justin Jefferson ties Lance Alworth (1962-66) for fewest games needed to reach 5,000 receiving yards in a career at 52.#MINvsPHI pic.twitter.com/CWEe91QxIk
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) September 15, 2023
And at 24 years old, Jefferson is in rare company as 1 of only 2 NFL players to hit the 5,000-yard mark before the age of 25. The other, according to the NFL’s research department? Randy Moss.
And Jefferson’s 52 games broke Moss’ Minnesota record of 59 games.
It hasn’t been the most enjoyable evening for Jefferson, though. He was ruled to have fumbled a ball out of the end zone right before halftime. The Vikings had to settle for a field goal — a 61-yarder by Jake Elliott – instead.
Minnesota trails 13-7 at the break. It’s trying to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start after falling 20-17 in its season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As for Jefferson, a remarkable NFL career that’s entering just its 4th season continues. The former LSU star is well on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats at the wide receiver position if this keeps up.
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.
