Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a lot of things. He’s a superstar, and elite route-runner, the highest-paid non-QB in the league, and no doubt, one of the most humble GOATS to ever play his position.
And that’s why, when asked for more information regarding the quad injury he sustained in the Vikings win over San Francisco last week, JJ pointed his finger at himself. It wasn’t on a teammate, for missing a block. He didn’t blame his QB for putting a ball where he shouldn’t. It wasn’t even “God’s plan”, or a case of “dumb luck”.
Justin Jefferson takes the blame for his injury
Nope, Justin told reporters gathered at TCO Performance Center, in Eagan on Thursday, that he was to blame for his quad contusion. According to JJ, he shouldn’t have been in a position to be injured, during the play in question.
Here’s the clip of Justin explaining the situation. I transcribed what he said below, in case you aren’t able to listen. Underneath that, is the slow motion replay of his injury.
Justin Jefferson says a lesson learned. Sustained thigh bruise on a run play he wasn’t supposed to be on.
— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) September 19, 2024
Jets says he feels good and is playing Sunday pic.twitter.com/harUGLbiWD
“A part of this game is injuries, it sucks to say, but you have to deal with it. Whether it’s a rolled ankle or serious injury. It comes with the game of football. Some things you can control, some things you can’t. I could have controlled this injury, by not going in there on this run play. That wasn’t my job, on that specific run. So, things to avoid and things to look for, in the future. But it happens, can’t get frustrated. Just gotta move on and make sure you’re staying in that treatment room, so you body is feeling better.”
Minnesota Vikings got a real one
Justin Jefferson was injured on a run play that called for him to stay locked in on the cornerback across from him. Instead he “went in there”, assumedly to extend his blocking assignment, and open up a lane for ball carrier, Ty Chandler.
Maybe it was the right football play. I’m not in a position to judge that. But even if that’s true, “the right play” often looks different for someone as valuable to the Vikings, as Jefferson is.
“The coaches get you right for that moment, to know what you gotta do for the run game rules. The people to block, and who not to block. And ah, I shouldn’t have went in there, on this specific play. I was supposed to stay on the corner, and pretty much run him off. So, I just gotta make sure I’m aware of my rules and the specific plays that I have specific rules on. I just gotta know it for next time, and be a lot smarter.“
“I’m a little angry with myself because I could have avoided it and finished the game. But it is what it is, we came out with a W and I had a pretty good performance.”
Justin Jefferson with hip pointer vs. quad contusion. Return possible. Do not expect him to miss time. pic.twitter.com/gC5kZqI8hg
— Dr. Mark Adickes (@jocktodoc) September 15, 2024
I cannot get over how much I love Justin Jefferson, and how lucky we are to have him. There was no reason for him to open up about the “why” to his injury. Most athletes don’t. But not only did he give us that insight, he jumped on the blame grenade too. A grenade that hadn’t even had the pin pulled.
Related: Two Minnesota Vikings Miss Practice Thursday
Because that’s who Justin Jefferson is. Yes, he is the best WR in the game, today. Yes, he sets receiving records every time he steps on the field. But he’s also one of the best dudes in the game. And we know, better than any other fanbase, how rare that can be, at his position.
Now let’s go kick some Houston Texan ass on Sunday.