Vikings’ Justin Jefferson says 2023 ‘is our season;’ All-Pro WR plans to debut new TD celebration in Week 1

The Minnesota Vikings have not received a Super Bowl in its 61-year historical past. Justin Jefferson, alternatively, appears like that may trade in 2023. 

Prior to his crew’s season opener towards the Buccaneers, Minnesota’s All-Pro wideout advised Nate Burleson on CBS’ “The NFL Today” pregame display that he anticipates the Vikings will in the end achieve the mountaintop this season. The Vikings are coming off a 2022 season that noticed them pass 13-4 in the common season ahead of falling to the Giants in the wild-card around. 

“They’re going to see what it’s about this year,” mentioned Jefferson, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year. “This season is our season. It’s time for us to be on that winning stage … and that’s the Super Bowl. It’s time for us, for sure.”

The Vikings were to 4 Super Bowls however none since January of 1977, once they misplaced to John Madden’s Raiders in Super Bowl XI. Minnesota gave the impression destined to get to the large sport in 1998, going 15-1 in the common season at the back of rookie phenom Randy Moss. The Vikings had been disappointed, alternatively, via the Falcons one sport shy of the Super Bowl. 

Minnesota has the skill to make a Super Bowl run this season. The offense options Jefferson, fellow receiver and first-round pick out Jordan Addison and tight finish T.J. Hockenson, who not too long ago signed a profitable extension. Minnesota’s protection comprises Pro Bowl cross rusher Danielle Hunter and six-time Pro Bowl protection Harrison Smith. 

It additionally does not harm that the Vikings play in the NFC North, one of the most league’s maximum winnable and wide-open divisions. The Packers are beginning over with Jordan Love below heart, whilst the Bears are hoping that Justin Fields can finish Chicago’s two-year playoff drought. Ironically, the Lions, who have not received a playoff sport since 1991, could be the new favourite to win the department after provoking the Chiefs on Thursday night time. 

Jefferson could also be anticipating a large season for himself; he advised Burleson he plans to debut a new landing celebration in Week 1. But when it comes to solidifying his position because the NFL’s best possible wideout, Jefferson feels that he can best possible turn out that via main the Vikings a championship. 

“I really just think about it as just being a leader on this team,” Jefferson mentioned of his function because the Vikings’ No. 1 wideout. “Keep everybody motivated to want to be the best every single game. … I bring that same energy every single game and even in practice. We’re just going to kill this year and celebrate on the main stage.”