Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson let his emotions boil over Sunday in a devastating 41-17 loss to rival Green Bay. After quarterback Kirk Cousins threw his second interception, Jefferson ripped his helmet off and swung it into the shoulder of a referee.
The incident in the game in which Jefferson was held to a single catch came with about six minutes left in the second quarter. After Packers safety Adrian Amos went out of bounds with his second interception, the wide receiver responded angrily.
Swinging the helmet downward, he accidentally struck one of the sideline officials with both the facemask and his forearm. The action was captured by CBS Sports’ cameras.
The referee did not appear to be injured, and the situation could have been far worse for both. Jefferson undoubtedly was upset with both his personal performance and that of his team.
Afterward, Jefferson went to the bench and somehow avoided a game ejection as well as seriously injuring the official. There is still a very real possibility of a fine and even suspension.
Justin Jefferson was a HUGE disappointment to fantasy owners today except for in leagues that award 20 points for slamming your helmet onto a referee’s back. pic.twitter.com/VcWojlrBvd
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) January 2, 2023
The star receiver ended the game with just one reception for 15 yards after hauling in nine passes for a whopping 284 yards in the season’s first meeting between the Vikings and Packers.
Jefferson entered the contest with a golden opportunity to solidify his credentials for NFL MVP. His numbers were remarkable. Coming into Sunday, he led the league in catches (123), receiving yards (1,756), and yards per game (117.1).
He also hauled in eight touchdowns and has been named to his third straight Pro Bowl.
That all went for naught in the miserable performance against Green Bay, though the Vikings already had secured a playoff berth. Minnesota has a great chance to regain its postseason footing in the final week of the season when they face Chicago.
The Bears have lost nine straight and are arguably the worst team in the NFL.
As for the Packers, the once-struggling squad has incredibly turned their season around with four straight victories. They close the campaign with a tremendous final-weekend matchup with the Lions.
If Aaron Rodgers is able to pull out another win against resurgent Detroit, the Pack is back in the postseason.
