Month: June 2024

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a four-year, $140 million extension on Monday. Jefferson’s deal averages $35 million per season, surpassing Nick Bosa’s $34 million average as the highest by a non-quarterback in the NFL. According to sources, the contract includes $110 million in guaranteed money.

The Vikings announced Monday morning that Jefferson agreed to an extension that runs through the 2028 season but did not disclose financial terms. Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement that Jefferson has “earned this contract, and we are thrilled he will remain a Minnesota Viking for a very long time.” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah added: “From the moment I arrived in Minnesota, Justin has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the NFL on and off the field and we are excited about having him as a cornerstone of our team for a long time to come. He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful dedication to process and our goals. We couldn’t be more excited for Justin and his family.”

Jefferson shared a video message on Instagram captioned: “Something that once was a dream is now my reality. There are so many people that I can sit here and thank but you all know who you are that helped me along the way. But we ain’t stopping here…. There’s more to be done… SKOL!!!!!!!”  In the video, Jefferson said: “The time has finally come. The deal I’ve been waiting for since I was a little kid. Being doubted my whole career. Not being highly recruited. Not being the first receiver off the draft board. This whole journey wasn’t easy for me. … To be given a gift to play football at the highest level, it’s a blessing. It’s an honor.”  Thanking his parents, brothers, agent and Vikings’ front office staff, coaches and fans, Jefferson ended with: “Y’all set the tone. Y’all set the mood. Y’all set the energy,” Jefferson said in the video. “And I’m definitely excited to set the energy for five more years. … This is the start of it, but we ain’t done yet. Just wait.”

Jefferson ranks sixth in receptions, second in yards and is tied for 11th in touchdown catches since entering the league as a first-round selection in 2020. He earned Pro Bowl nods in his first three seasons, including First-Team All-Pro honors in 2022 after leading football in both receptions (128), yards (1809) and yards per game (106.4). Jefferson has averaged 98.3 receiving yards per game — the most in NFL history for any career span — and his average of 6.5 catches per game is the second highest of any receiver in his first four seasons.

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The Dallas Cowboy organization announced in a statement that legendary Cowboys’ offensive lineman Larry Allen died suddenly while vacationing with his family in Mexico at the age of 52.

The Cowboys’ news release read: “The Dallas Cowboys are very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday. Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career. Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner. He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle – whom he referred to as his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III. The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry. Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced in the near future.””

The Cowboys selected Allen with the No. 46 overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft out of Sonoma State. He spent his first 12 seasons with the NFC East franchise, where in just his second season the 6-foot-3, 325-pound offensive lineman helped clear paths for running back Emmitt Smith, when he ran for a then-franchise record 1,773 yards. In 2006 and 2007, Allen played with the San Francisco 49ers. The 11-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time All-Pro played tackle and guard throughout his career, winning a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1996. Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement: “The National Football League is filled with gifted athletes, but only a rare few have combined the size, brute strength, speed and agility of Larry Allen. What he could do as an offensive lineman often defied logic and comprehension. In a six-season span, he was named All-Pro every year, and one of those seasons came when the Cowboys needed him to step in at tackle. He could literally beat the will out of his opponents, with many quitting mid-game or not dressing at all rather than face him, but that was only on the field. Off it, he was a quiet, gentle giant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Janelle; daughters, Jayla and Loriana; and son, Larry III.”

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com