Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Justin Jefferson’s Postgame Handshake With Sam Darnold Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 8:16 PM ET

Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings had arguably their worst game of the 2025 season in Week 13, falling to 4-8 after a 26-0 loss to Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks. Jefferson struggled against Seattle, finishing with just two catches for four yards. Darnold wasn’t spectacular but fared better, completing 14-of-26 passes for 128 yards.

Jefferson has now played with three different quarterbacks in 2025. The Vikings opened the year with JJ McCarthy as their starter before he was replaced by Carson Wentz due to injury. After missing five games, McCarthy returned but disappointed over the next four. That led Minnesota to give undrafted rookie Max Brosmer his first start against Seattle, and he threw four interceptions.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will catch passes from Carson Wentz in Week 3Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Through 12 games this season, Jefferson has seen his numbers dip, posting 60 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns. Last year was a much different story in Darnold’s lone season with the Vikings, when Jefferson recorded 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns as Minnesota finished 2024 with a 14-3 record.

Despite Darnold leaving in the offseason to sign a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seahawks, Jefferson still took the time to connect with his former quarterback after Sunday’s game. The two exchanged a big hug and shared a few words before heading their separate ways.

"Former teammates Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson share a moment postgame ," the NFL wrote on X.

Former teammates Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson share a moment postgame pic.twitter.com/ynLmywDX1X
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2025

NFL fans took notice of Jefferson and Darnold linking up, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.

"JJ said come get me," one fan joked.

"JJ definitely told him to save him ," added another.

"Justin misses Sam sooooo bad lol," claimed a third.

"I know JJ is telling him he misses him lmao," wrote a fourth.

"Bro is begging to stay in Seattle with him," posted a fifth.

Up next for Jefferson and the Vikings, a Week 14 matchup with Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, Darnold and the Seahawks, now 9-3 and first in the NFC West, will hit the road to face the Atlanta Falcons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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