Justin Jefferson Believes Defenders Bully Him Like Pistons Did Michael Jordan

Justin Jefferson is the self-proclaimed best wide receiver in the NFL and defenses have noticed. So much so that Minnesota Vikings head coach, Kevin O’Connell, has spoken openly with reporters on multiple occasions about his belief that Jefferson is being illegally targeted, even calling upon the NFL to fix the problem.

But on Wednesday, the future franchise record holder for receiving yards spoke with media himself and was asked about how he sees the situation and whether or not he believes there’s a bounty on his head when he steps between the lines.

Justin Jefferson ~ Michael Jordan

JJ’s answer? Yes. In fact, he called Stephen Gilmore’s hit last weekend ‘uncalled for and over the line’ He even went as far as comparing his treatment to that of Michael Jordan in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Back when the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons would beat the shit out of MJ in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said the hits that teams are putting on him are like what the Detroit Pistons used to do to Michael Jordan. But he believed that Gilmore hit was uncalled for and over the line

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 21, 2022

Is he right? Most of us lived through the 2009 NFC Championship game so we’ve seen first-hand how ruthless NFL mentalities can be. And whether KOC and JJ are right or wrong, it can only help to bring more attention to the problem.

Take, for example, the “unnecessary roughness” penalty that was called last weekend on a Colts defender for doing absolutely nothing unnecessary. Advantage Vikings.

A good way to give up a big lead is to play soft zone coverage and match a safety as the nickel vs Justin Jefferson on a choice route (Choice Stucko), then give him plenty of space to convert on 2nd & 18, then end the play with an unncessary roughness penalty: pic.twitter.com/huMgR5IWd2

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) December 20, 2022

Vikings protecting their most prized asset

When you have an asset as valuable as Justin Jefferson, you do everything possible to protect him. It’s completely possible the Vikings believe that defenses are playing JJ dirty. But even if they aren’t sure, it’s a clever way to add some additional protection on Christmas Eve and beyond.

Because if this team were to lose #18, their hopes of a playoff run would be dead. Hell, with the path Jefferson’s career is on, he very well may be the Michael Jordan of wide receivers by the time he’s done.

Most seasons with 1,600 rec yards in history

Years in NFL
Justin Jefferson 2 3
Calvin Johnson 2 9
Torry Holt 2 11
Antonio Brown 2 12
Julio Jones 2 12
Marvin Harrison 2 13 pic.twitter.com/vsnpPJxvot

— NFL on CBS ???? (@NFLonCBS) December 19, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan