Sport

Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Achieves Unanimous All-Pro Status - A New Milestone!

2025-01-10

Author: Ken Lee

Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Achieves Unanimous All-Pro Status - A New Milestone!

In a remarkable achievement for the Minnesota Vikings, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and long snapper Andrew DePaola have been named first-team All-Pro for the second time in just three seasons. Jefferson made headlines by becoming one of the few players in NFL history to receive unanimous first-team honors from the 50 voting members of the Associated Press for the 2024 All-Pro NFL teams, alongside former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I’m just really proud of the respect I’ve earned,” Jefferson commented. “Every single one of those guys voted for me. That’s something incredibly special and tough to achieve in this league.” His humility shines through, as he emphasized that his focus remains on doing his job effectively without seeking attention.

Andrew Van Ginkel, the Vikings’ edge rusher, also received recognition, earning a spot on the second-team defense. This marked the first All-Pro acknowledgment in his career, following a standout season that saw him register 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and two touchdowns from interceptions. “Reflecting on this year, I feel truly blessed. After dealing with a Lisfranc injury last season and uncertainly about my future, it’s been a journey,” Van Ginkel expressed.

Jefferson’s stellar performance continues to speak for itself as he heads into a crucial playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, boasting an impressive 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Just last year, he was recognized as the unanimous NFL Offensive Player of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite talents. For comparison, Chase dominated the receiving charts this season, claiming the receiving triple crown with 127 catches, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns.

The Ravens and Lions both celebrated four first-team selections each, showcasing an abundance of talent across the league. Notably, Baltimore’s quarterback Lamar Jackson secured 30 first-team votes, surpassing Buffalo’s Josh Allen (18 votes) in a bid that illustrates Jackson's dominance, earning him All-Pro status for the third time. Only two players, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers, have more All-Pro selections in the Super Bowl era, highlighting the high caliber of Jackson’s performance.

As we move deeper into the playoffs, all eyes are on these stars to see how they elevate their game on the biggest stage. Will Jefferson and the Vikings make a splash, or can Jackson lead the Ravens to glory? Stay tuned!