Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson makes NFL history in Week 2

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 11:09 PM ET

It's no secret Justin Jefferson has been one of the NFL's elite wide receivers since entering the NFL in 2020. But despite his standing as one of the best in the game, Jefferson reached a significant milestone on Sunday night that puts his true greatness into perspective.

In the first quarter of the Minnesota Vikings' "Sunday Night Football" game against the Atlanta Falcons, Jefferson did what he does best — catch the football. However, that particular catch was unlike any other. It was the 500th of his NFL career.

And just six years into his pro career, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year became the 13th player to reach 500 receptions in league history. Most importantly, Jefferson's accomplishment made history in and of itself.

He tied a legend of the position, becoming the youngest to achieve 500 receptions. Joining Larry Fitzgerald, who also caught his 500th pass at 26 years old, Jefferson is now on pace to put up some of the most prolific career numbers ever.

.@JJettas2 tied, yes tied, @LarryFitzgerald as the youngest player in NFL history with 500 career receptions.

: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/Peakyv0erI
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 15, 2025

How Justin Jefferson's legacy can only grow from here

Jefferson, who has a reputation for making something happen when he gets his hands on the ball, has the yardage to further emphasize his individual prowess.

To this point, Jefferson has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in every season of his NFL career. After recording exactly 1,400 yards as a rookie in 2020, Jefferson entered Week 2 with 7,476 yards through six seasons.

Jefferson has also exceeded 100 receptions in three separate seasons, with a single-season high of 128 in 2022.

Last year, he caught 103 balls for 1,533 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

Having produced with a marinade of quarterbacks, Jefferson's career trajectory is already on a Hall of Fame pace.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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