Vikings’ Justin Jefferson reaches 500 career receptions, tying Larry Fitzgerald as youngest in NFL history

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson etched his name deeper into NFL history on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. With a 9-yard sideline grab late in the first quarter, the 26-year-old recorded his 500th career reception, tying Cardinals legend and Minnesota native Larry Fitzgerald as the youngest player ever to reach the mark, according to team officials.

Jefferson accomplished the milestone in only 79 career games, the second-fastest pace in league history. Only Michael Thomas reached 500 receptions quicker, doing so in 69 games. By comparison, Jerry Rice, widely considered the greatest receiver of all time, needed 103 games, while Fitzgerald hit the mark in 86.

A Record-Breaking start to a career

Since being drafted 22nd overall by the Vikings in 2020, Jefferson has delivered historic production. The 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year already holds the record for most career receiving yards in a player’s first five seasons and tied Hall of Famer Lance Alworth as the fastest to 6,000 career receiving yards.


Through five seasons, Jefferson has tallied 499 receptions for 7,476 yards and 41 touchdowns. His averages, 109 catches, 1,629 yards, and nine touchdowns per 17 games, highlight a level of dominance rarely seen in the modern NFL.

Impact against the Falcons

Beyond his record-setting catch, Jefferson was largely limited by Atlanta in the first half. That changed in the closing seconds before halftime, when he broke free for a 50-yard reception from rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, setting up a Will Reichard field goal to trim the Falcons’ lead to 9-6.

It marked the second straight week McCarthy connected on a late first-half strike to set up points. A week earlier, he found Jalen Nailor for 28 yards to set up a 59-yard field goal just before halftime.