Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson makes a 10-year-old fan’s birthday special with a meet-and-greet and personalized autographed helmet.
The phrase “never meet your heroes” exists for a reason: it’s difficult for anyone, no matter their celebrity, to live up to a fan’s lofty expectations.
But in the case of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, that phrase doesn’t apply whatsoever. In fact, many young Vikings fans who have been lucky enough to meet the heroic Viking have come away with autographs and memories to last a lifetime.
In the case of young Bennett, meeting his NFL idol left him “starstruck”, according to his father.
“[Jefferson] couldn’t have been any better with the boys! Thanks #18 for making a 10 year old’s birthday absolutely unforgettable!” he wrote on Twitter.
Justin Jefferson makes 10-year-old fan’s birthday with upbeat birthday message
Jefferson, who is seen shaking hands with the young Vikings fans and posing for photos with them, did one even better: he autographed a Vikings helmet with a personalized birthday message for Bennett.
“Happy Birthday — Let Gridddyyy!” Jefferson wrote, a reference to the trendy endzone celebration dance Jefferson made famous.
In two short years, Jefferson has left quite an impression on the Vikings franchise, which is certainly a challenge for a team that once fielded wide receivers like Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Stefon Diggs, just to name a few.
Jefferson electrified the league in his debut 2020 season, breaking the modern NFL rookie wideout receiving yards record with 1,400 yards. In 2021, he entered Week 16 with 1,335 receiving yards, second only to former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase.
It makes sense that all Vikings fans, young and old alike, would admire the 23-year-old wide receiver for his talent and tenacity — racking up all those yards is the result of endless hours of practice and forging chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins. But what Jefferson does off the field by showing appreciation for his fans makes him all the more special.
When it comes to Justin Jefferson, it seems that every Vikings fan should try to meet the young franchise hero.