Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is one of the stars of Netflix’s docuseries “Receiver,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at his 2023 NFL season.
The show gives glimpses into Jefferson’s personal life, so his family has been featured in the series as well. Jefferson spends a lot of time with his older brothers, Jordan and Rickey, and he has even credited them for his success.
“They definitely made me into who I am, made me tougher, made me a better player,” Justin told GQ.
Who are Justin’s brothers, Jordan and Rickey? Here’s everything you need to know about his older siblings.
Who Is Jordan Jefferson?
Jordan Jefferson was born on Aug. 25, 1990, making him the oldest sibling. Jordan is four years older than Rickey, who is four years older than Justin.
Jordan had a successful college football career of his own. He played quarterback at LSU from 2008 to 2011, totaling 4,733 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and 12 rushing touchdowns throughout his collegiate career.
Jordan ranks fifth in program history in career wins by a starting QB (24), sixth in career passing yards (4,733), sixth in completion percentage (58.7%), and sixth in career completions (398).
After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, Jordan had a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After getting waived by the Bucs, Jordan played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League, and Omaha Mammoths of the Fall Experimental Football League.
In 2019, Jordan transitioned to coaching, becoming a graduate assistant wide receivers coach at Colorado State.
Justin grew up watching Jordan dominate on the gridiron, which had a major impact on him. Justin says that he wouldn’t be in the NFL today if it weren’t for Jordan pushing him to pursue his dream and making him a better receiver.
“He’s definitely one of the main reasons why I wanted to carry out this dream,” Justin told QB.
Justin and Jordan have always been very close. Jordan started training his younger brothers when they were kids. Jordan recalls throwing “100 miles per hour” passes to Justin when he was just 10 years old.
“If you can catch this ball, you can catch any ball in the country,” Jordan would tell him.
“I remember my hands used to be stinging in pain, just from trying to catch the ball,” Justin recalled to ESPN. “I used to stand like 15, 20 yards away, and that junk used to hurt so much.”
MORE: Justin Jefferson Net Worth: How Much Money Has the Vikings WR Made?
Jordan is extremely proud of his youngest brother and the strides that he’s made.
“To see his development as a receiver and also be notarized as one of the best receivers in the country, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Jordan told SEC Network in 2019.
Justin says that Jordan also helped him off the field, teaching him “how to do an interview” and other things that come with being in the spotlight.
Who Is Rickey Jefferson?
Rickey was born on Dec. 28, 1994. Like both of his brothers, Rickey played college football at LSU.
Rickey started at safety, appearing in 37 games and totaling 87 tackles, four interceptions, and eight pass deflections throughout his collegiate career. All three brothers majored in sports administration.
After leaving LSU, Rickey went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, he had brief stints with the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent.
Jordan Jefferson.
Rickey Jefferson.
Justin Jefferson.For the Jefferson brothers, @LSUFootball is a family tradition. pic.twitter.com/tSHTHEYeeA
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 9, 2019
Rickey and Justin had a bit of a different relationship than Jordan and Justin.
“Jordan was always the one protecting him, so they were best friends growing up,” Rickey told SEC Network. “Me and him were at odds most of the time, but we have a great relationship because of it now.”
The three brothers push each other to be great, and Rickey says they have an unbreakable bond.
“We all played a significant role in the development of the others,” Rickey told ESPN. “Jordan was good, and then there were whispers, ‘You know, Rickey’s going to be good, too,’ and then with Justin, people said, ‘He might be the best of them all.’
“As a family, we’re more of an empire than an entourage, and ain’t nobody jealous about nobody. I’m sorry to have to say it like that, but I get passionate. The bond we have? You can’t break that. Other people shining doesn’t dim our light.”
Nowadays, the three brothers spend a ton of time together.
Something you love about Justin Jefferson is that when you see him at a game/concert/event he's nearly always with a family member. His dad, brothers, mom, etc. Great family who raised three great sons. https://t.co/iH6HseX46g
— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) July 14, 2024