Justin Jefferson was the first player to receive an award at the NFL Honors show Thursday night, taking home the AP Offensive Player of the Year award after he set franchise records in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) to lead the Minnesota Vikings to a 13-4 record and the NFC North division title.
“First and foremost, I gotta thank the man upstairs,” Jefferson began in his brief acceptance speech. “My whole career has been amazing.”
“More to come,” he added. “More to come.”
Your 2022 OPOY: Justin Jefferson@jjettas2 | @Surface
đź“ş: #NFLHonors on NBC pic.twitter.com/N9ET3q1BO9
— NFL (@NFL) February 10, 2023
Jefferson’s competition for the award were wide receiver, Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
By the numbers, here’s how the four superstars compare:
- Jefferson: 128 catches for 1,809 yards and 9 TD (1 rushing)
- Hill: 119 catches for 1,710 yards and 8 TD (1 rushing)
- Mahomes: 5,250 pass yards, 41 TD, 12 INT, 358 rush yards, 4 TD
- Hurts: 3,701 pass yards, 21 TD, 6 INT, 760 rush yards, 13 TD
Jefferson is also a finalist for the MVP award. His competition includes Mahomes, Hurts, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
A wide receiver has never won the MVP award.
