LONDON — He played soccer with Vinícius Júnior in Brazil and walked the runway with pal Joe Burrow in Paris. Now, he's bringing the Griddy back to London. In other words, Justin Jefferson is right at home.
The Minnesota Vikings receiver is embracing the international spotlight and becoming a global star at the right time as the NFL adds more games in foreign cities. The undefeated Vikings arrived in London on Friday morning ahead of their game against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. "Just to play in a whole different country, around a whole new fan base, around people that don't get to see you play — it's very cool," Jefferson said at the team's hotel in Watford, England.
"We're the only country that really plays the sport the way we do. Expanding it and getting some fans in other countries is very cool." London is just the latest port of call for Jefferson, who visited Rio de Janeiro in 2023 to spend time with Real Madrid star Vinícius.
They played soccer and foot-volley, but Jefferson also learned about Brazilian cuisine and Black artists in the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood. At the end of the trip, he wiped away a tear when reflecting on the experience. In June, Jefferson hit Paris a couple of weeks after signing a four-year extension — the richest contract in NFL history for a non-quarterback.
Jefferson and Burrow — their 2019 season at LSU ended with the national championship — got dressed up to walk the Vogue World 2024 run.
