Justin Jefferson Breaks Another NFL Receiving Record

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Justin Jefferson
Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

A hamstring injury forced Justin Jefferson to sit out of eight games this season, but not even that could prevent the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver from busting yet another NFL record.

On Sunday, during the Vikings’ matchup against the Detroit Lions, Jefferson hauled in an eight-yard reception on Minnesota’s third offensive play from scrimmage. Nothing too fancy, but it placed the All-Pro into a category of his own, historically.

Justin Jefferson continues to break receiving records

Jefferson’s catch gave him 5,515 receiving yards in his career, which sets an NFL record for the most receiving yards in a player’s first four seasons. The previous mark was held by New Orleans’ Michael Thomas, who had 5,512 yards from 2016-19. Unlike Thomas, JJ projects as someone who will continue breaking records the more games he plays.

Related: Randy Moss Says He’s ‘Hands Down’ the Greatest Wide Receiver of All Time

At that time, Thomas established a reputation for being among the best receivers in football. Now, in a short amount of time, Jefferson has done the same, only he’s been even better than Thomas was. Plus, Thomas accomplished his feat by playing in 63 games, whereas Jefferson has played in just 58.

From all the legends who have come and gone before them, it’s incredible to think Jefferson’s first four seasons have been more productive than any other player in NFL history.

Sure, they now play 17 games instead of 16 per year, and teams have never passed the ball more than they do right now, but still, it’s hard to argue anyone has been better through their first four years than Jefferson has.

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