Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has said he has waited a lifetime for a contract extension which is reportedly worth a record-breaking $140 million with $110m guaranteed.
Jefferson will become the best-ever paid NFL player in his position and the highest-earning star who is not a quarterback, according to figures first published by ESPN via sources.
“The time has finally come – the deal I’ve been waiting for since I was a little kid,” Jefferson said in a video announcement on social media.
“I’ve been doubted my whole career: not being highly recruited, not being the first receiver off the draft board. This whole journey wasn’t easy for me.”
Read our other sports news stories:
Deontay Wilder to retire?
Could Zeki Amdouni’s Switzerland Be a Surprise Package at Euro 2024?
Best UK football betting sites for 2024
The 24-year-old is said to have pocketed almost $89m by signing the extension, which ties him to the Vikings for the next five years.
Three-time Pro Bowler Jefferson rejected an offer of $28m a season on the eve of the 2023 campaign in a move which has paid off even more handsomely.
Something that once was a dream is now my reality. There are so many people that I can sit here and thank but you all know who you are that helped me along the way. But we ain’t stopping here…. There’s more to be done… SKOL!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/q2Q6YUPAWH
— JJETS✈️ (@JJettas2) June 3, 2024
Justin Jefferson salary: A new record?
Pass rusher Nick Bosa, of the San Francisco 49ers, had held the record with an average salary of $34m.
Jefferson was the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 draft and went on to be named the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year.
A Louisiana State University college footballer until 2019, he has amassed 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns.
The All Pro selection’s average of 98.3 receiving yards per game is an NFL record.
Jefferson emphasised his religious faith and thanked his family and agent for their backing, among a range of supporters credited in his video.
“You set the tone, the mood and the energy,” he told Vikings fans. “I’m definitely excited to set the energy for five more years. This is the start of it but we ain’t done yet – just wait.”
