Jerry Rice Names Justin Jefferson as the Player Who Reminds Him of His Own Greatness
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
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.”
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.
Concerns Emerge Over Lack of Snaps for Broncos First Round Pick
owever you may have felt about Denver Broncos rookie cornerback and first round pick Jahdae Barron in the preseason, that’s probably changed now.
That’s because Barron has barely seen the field through the first 4 games of the regular season and the No. 20 overall pick is currently the backup nickelback to
However much the Broncos want to say their plan was to bring Barron along slowly to “teach him the defense” or whatever lip service they might dish up, the truth is if he were ready to contribute more, he’d already be on the field.
The NFL doesn’t even bring quarterbacks along slowly anymore. Why would they do it for a cornerback?
Want more proof? Just look at Philadelphia Eagles cornerback and 2024 first round pick (No. 22 overall) Quinyon Mitchell. As a rookie, he started every regular season game but one — a meaningless regular season finale — plus 4 playoff games on the way to winning a Super Bowl.
The point is, if the Broncos thought Barron could help their defense, he’d be playing.
“Barron has played just 74 snaps in four games, but he did show signs of improvement in coverage Monday night against Cincinnati,”
Generally doing what is asked of him, in this case, mostly means not being in the starting lineup.
Predictions for Barron Were Sky High
No player on the Broncos‘ already-vaunted defense had more hype in the preseason than Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award at Texas in 2024.
“Whether it’s on the perimeter opposite Pat Surtain II or inside at nickel, expect to see Barron in the Broncos’ starting lineup,” Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder r wrote on July 9. “While last year’s starters Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian return, both left the door open for someone to take their jobs with their play last year. Ultimately, the Texas product’s talent and versatile skill set are too good for Denver to keep him off the field.”
Barron did have a nice moment in the season opener, with a game-clinching fumble recovery against the Tennessee Titans.
“Like a lot of people I’m disappointed Jahdae Barron is barely able to get on the field,”
Broncos Rookie Class Struggling to Find Roles
The Broncos made the playoffs in 2024 thanks in large part to the contributions of multiple rookies.
While that group was led by quarterback and first round pick Bo Nix, wide receivers DeVaughn Vele and Troy Franklin also had their moments, as did defensive lineman Jonah Elliss.
The 2025 draft class has yet to show any signs they might do the same. Rookie wide receiver and third round pick Pat Bryant has been a non-factor. Even the rookie with the biggest role, running back and second round pick RJ Harvey, finds himself in a complementary role to starter J.K. Dobbins.
