Justin Jefferson and ref (Photo via theScore/Twitter)
Sam Darnold got his first home start as a member of the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and he made the most of it when he found Justin Jefferson for a long touchdown play.
Up against his former club in the San Francisco 49ers and backed up to his own 2-yard line in the second quarter, the journeyman quarterback proceeded to launch a bomb to No. 1 wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who then outraced the San Francisco secondary for a 97-yard score.
Somehow, Jefferson had his moment stolen from him.
The back judge on the play showed he could run with the dynamic wide receiver as footage showed him not only keeping up but blazing past him as well as the defenders.
Check out the speed on the ref during that Justin Jefferson TD 🤯
(🎥: @NFL) pic.twitter.com/1VaZrKMyd2
— theScore (@theScore) September 16, 2024
He not only appeared to anticipate Justin Jefferson’s cut, but he also changed directions better than the 49ers defenders, Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odom, did.
The official’s speed and impressive footwork didn’t go unnoticed on social media:
Why are the refs faster than the secondary???😂😂😂😂
— Jack Collier (@CorelliTV) September 15, 2024
Did you see the referee though…he was cruisin… pic.twitter.com/8U7todUNor
— Tannhäuser Gate (@ZombietheDragon) September 15, 2024
That ref was flying
— HOUcards (@HoUcards) September 15, 2024
That back judge appears to be Tyree Walton, who is in his second year at the job.
During the 2023 season, he officiated 16 games.
The play gave the Vikings a 10-0 lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
It was a career-long reception for Jefferson and also the second-longest play in Vikings history.
Justin Jefferson Is Going Full Beast Mode Since Signing New Deal
The Minnesota Vikings signed Justin Jefferson to a four-year, $140 million contract extension, including $110 million guaranteed this past offseason.
He is showing that it was money well spent.
After having started the season with backup quarterback Sam Darnold under center, Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson has been on a role.
In Week One, he had four catches for 59 yards and one touchdown.
He turned it up more for Week Two as Jefferson had caught four passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. His longest catch was a 97-yard reception, per his stats on ESPN.
