Justin Jefferson – 2022 OPOY

Justin Jefferson was named 2022 Offensive Player Of The Year. He appeared in all 17 games and led the league in receptions (128), yards (1,809), and first downs (80) while scoring eight touchdowns. He also ran 4 times, scoring one touchdown.

Jefferson posted six games with at least 10 catches and four games with at least 150 yards. At one point, he was on pace to threaten Calvin Johnson’s NFL receiving record of 1,964 yards, but a few lackluster games prevented him from reaching that mark. Still, Jefferson’s 1,809 yards were the sixth-most in a single NFL season.

Facing the Buffalo Bills in Week 10, Jefferson posted one of the most memorable highlights in recent NFL history. With the Vikings down four points with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Jefferson converted a 4th-and-18 with an insane, one-handed catch that went for 32 yards.

Minnesota went on to defeat Buffalo, and Jefferson’s reception will be remembered as one of the best of all time. The Pro Football Hall of Fame now displays the gloves and arm sleeve Jefferson wore during that victory.

Four weeks later, Jefferson registered one of the most productive outings of his career against the Detroit Lions. He hauled in 11 of 15 targets for 223 yards, breaking Sammy White’s Vikings receiving record that had stood for 46 years.

Some of Jefferson’s equipment is already in Canton — given his current pace, he’ll eventually get a bust there, too. Jefferson has recorded more receptions (324) and yards (4,825) through his first three seasons than any receiver in league history.