“Is this some kind of sick joke or something?”
That was FOX announcer Joe Davis along with analyst Daryl Johnston, who were very confused when Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson faked a hamstring injury while celebrating after his first-quarter touchdown catch against the Bills.
Jefferson, who kept Minnesota’s opener drive alive with a 46-yard catch and run, followed that up two plays later with a 22-yard touchdown catch, then faked the hammy injury while doing his signature “Griddy” celebration.
Justin Jefferson is UNFAIR. @JJettas2
đź“ş: #MINvsBUF on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/uRjde5F169 pic.twitter.com/4w3m2emVgn— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2022
It’s probably news to most, but Jefferson’s inspiration behind the faked hamstring injury comes from numerous fake injury celebrations that have been happening at all levels of football for months.
Jefferson’s college teammate at LSU, Ja’Marr Chase, did it recently in a Bengals-Saints game, and it’s been done many times at the college level. Here’s an example from a Florida Gators defensive player.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) November 12, 2022
So, nothing to worry about with Jefferson, whose fast start has him well on his way to another big game.
