Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers on Dec. 29, 2024. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
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Considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice was asked if any current player reminds him of himself.
He answered without hesitation: “J.J. from Minnesota.”
Rice went on to gush about Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
“He pays really close attention to detail, and you can also tell that he really takes a lot of pride in his route running and what he’s able to accomplish on the football field,” Rice exclusively shared during an interview about G.O.A.T. Fuel, the sports energy drink he co-founded. “He wants to be that go-to guy. He wants to be that leader. Those are some of the same qualities I had when I played the game.”
That is high praise — to say the least — considering Rice is a 13-time Pro Bowler who leads all players in NFL history in career receptions (1,549), receiving yards, (22,895), receiving touchdowns (197) and yards from scrimmage (23,540).
Just like Rice did in the 1980s and 1990s, the 26-year-old Jefferson is carving up the NFL record books.
He set the NFL record for most receptions (324) and receiving yards (4,825) in a player’s first three seasons in league history. His 11 career games with at least 150 receiving yards are the most by a player in their first four seasons in NFL history, and he became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 30 career 100-yard receiving games, doing so in just 62 games.
If Jefferson continues his average 17-game season totals of 109 receptions and 1,628 yards, he would need about eight more seasons, including the 2025 season, to catch Rice in those categories.
Of course, NFL rules are much more passing-friendly than when Rice played from 1985 to 2004.
“Guys are getting so many balls thrown their way now. So it’s a whole different ballgame,” Rice said. “I was just very fortunate that my teammates put me in a position where I could put up so many stats.”
More than his stats, though, Rice loves Jefferson’s versatility and toughness.
“He can do it all. He’s not afraid to go across the middle,” Rice said. “He utilizes his hands, his jumping ability, his speed.”
Jerry Rice gains some of his 114 yards during the 49ers’ 41-13 win against the Vikings in the divisional playoffs in 1990. (Photo by Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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This year Jefferson ranks fifth in the NFL with 326 receiving yards despite the Vikings’ issues at quarterback. His Week One starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, was basically in his rookie year after missing all of his 2024 season with a knee injury. Then he got hurt in Week Two, forcing backup Carson Wentz to be Jefferson’s passer in Week Three and Week Four.
But Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension that included $88.7 million fully guaranteed in 2024, is still on pace for 94 catches, 1,385 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
And he’s still appointment viewing for Rice.
“When I see him, I’m going to sit back and watch,” Rice said, “just to see what he’s going to do on the football field.”
Rice’s first grandchild is even named J.J., but don’t get it twisted. He’s not named after Jefferson.
The parents are Rice’s oldest daughter, Jaqui Rice Gold, who is the CEO of G.O.A.T. Fuel, and Trevion Gold, the chief brand officer of G.O.A.T. Fuel.
Their son is officially named Trevion Jay, but to differentiate him from Trevion, who often goes by “T.J.,” they call their 1-year-old son “J.J.”
“We just thought J.J. made sense,” Jaqui said.
And perhaps he’s the next great wide receiver.