Justin Jefferson made an unforgettable impact during the Minnesota Vikings’ 30-12 victory over the Chicago Bears, not only with his performance on the field but also through a heartfelt tribute to his idol, Randy Moss.
After scoring an early touchdown, Jefferson dashed across the back of the end zone to catch a pass from Sam Darnold. He celebrated by forming a heart shape with his fingers and shouting, “We love you Randy!” toward the ESPN camera, honoring the Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who began his illustrious career with the Vikings in 1998.
Moss, who recently underwent six-hour surgery to remove cancer from his bile duct, has taken a leave from his role as an ESPN studio analyst but intends to return as soon as possible. In a show of support, the Vikings invited former wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed—Moss’s teammates during the legendary “Three Deep” trio—to serve as honorary captains for the game. The duo held up a replica Moss jersey during the pregame coin toss.
On social media, Moss expressed his gratitude with a clever hashtag: “Let’s Moss Cancer.” Known for his electrifying play, Moss recorded 156 receiving touchdowns over his 14-season career, ranking second all-time.
Following the game, Jefferson, who wore a Moss jersey during his postgame interview, reflected on Moss’s influence. “I’m grateful for what he has done for this game and what he has done for me as a kid just watching him,” Jefferson said. He added that he had recently sent a message to Moss wishing him well after the cancer diagnosis. “I always will have him in my prayers,” he noted. “The effect he has on people, not just me but the whole world, is outstanding.”
Despite his success, Jefferson had one regret from the game: missing a second touchdown opportunity. After breaking free near the 5-yard line for what would have been a 30-yard catch, he turned toward the goal line too soon and dropped the ball. “I definitely will not sleep good at night thinking about that second touchdown that I could’ve had,” he said. “Those are the easy ones. I always say the opportunities are limited, and you’ve got to make the most of your opportunities.”
Jefferson’s performance and tribute to Moss highlight his potential to join the ranks of the Vikings’ all-time greats. “I’m just happy he’s back on his feet talking and being able to socialize,” Jefferson said. “God bless that.”
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