Justin Jefferson Eyes Historic 1,000-Yard Season After Breaking Moss Record

Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson made quiet history on Thursday night. He broke a major NFL receiving record previously held by franchise legend Randy Moss. The game was a 23-16 win over the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The record came despite modest offensive output. Jefferson’s four catches for 30 yards were enough to set a new mark.

Passing a Franchise Legend

Justin Jefferson now has 8,379 career receiving yards. This surpassed Randy Moss’s total of 8,375 yards in a player’s first six NFL seasons. The Vikings confirmed the milestone during the game.

This is the latest in a series of early-career records for Jefferson. He already held the marks for most yards in a player’s first two, three, four, and five seasons. According to Pro Football Reference, he is on pace to break the seven-season record next year.

The achievement highlights his remarkable consistency. He has done this during a challenging 2025 season with inconsistent quarterback play.

The Final Push for 1,000 Yards

Thursday’s performance brought Jefferson’s season total to 947 yards. He now needs just 53 yards in the season finale to reach 1,000. That game is against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.

Reaching that mark would place him in rare company. He would join Randy Moss and Mike Evans as the only players with 1,000-yard seasons in each of their first six years. Evans’ streak of 11 recently ended, while Jerry Rice holds the overall record with 14.

The Vikings have multiple motivations for the final game. They aim for a winning record and a five-game win streak. They also want to see progress from quarterback J.J. McCarthy if he plays. Helping Jefferson make history is now another clear goal.

Justin Jefferson has already cemented his place among the greats with his new record. The final chapter of his season now focuses squarely on achieving another historic 1,000-yard milestone.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: What record did Justin Jefferson break?

Jefferson broke the NFL record for most receiving yards in a player’s first six seasons. He passed the previous record of 8,375 yards set by Vikings Hall of Famer Randy Moss.

Q2: How many yards does he need for 1,000 this season?

After Thursday’s game, Jefferson has 947 receiving yards in 2025. He needs 53 yards in the season finale against the Packers to reach 1,000.

Q3: Why is reaching 1,000 yards again significant?

It would make him just the third player ever to start a career with six straight 1,000-yard seasons. Only Randy Moss and Mike Evans have done that before.

Q4: Has Jefferson had a good season?

It has been a down year by his incredible standards, partly due to team quarterback struggles. His leadership and consistent effort, however, have been praised throughout the challenges.

Q5: What is the next career record he could break?

If he stays healthy, Jefferson is projected to break the record for most yards in a player’s first seven seasons next year. That record is currently held by Torry Holt (9,487 yards).