Justin Jefferson wowed viewers with a highlight catch Sunday that was eventually called back for holding.
Justin Jefferson has been one of the most statistically dominant wide receivers in the NFL since being drafted to Minnesota in 2022, racking up 7,378 yards through 76 games in the Twin Cities.
However, one of the 25-year-old’s most remarkable career grabs won’t count toward thers lofty totals, securing a stunning one-handed catch in the fourth quarter that was tragically called back for holding.
With five minutes remaining and a two-score lead, Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold turned toward Jefferson to effectively ice the game on a crucial third-down try. Darnold’s bullet was well high and a bit inside, but Jefferson stunningly stabbed at the ball with his right hand, pinned it against his forearm and spun away from his defender for a game-sealing catch.
“That was Randy Moss-esque.” – @TomBrady
😪 A hold negated this wild Justin Jefferson catch pic.twitter.com/ExLsNWoQud
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 30, 2024
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 30, 2024
However, Jefferson soon learned that a flag had previously flown for holding offensive lineman Cam Robinson, negating his sensational grab and ultimately forcing a punt. This penalty didn’t prevent Tom Brady, who provided color commentary for FOX’s broadcast of the game, from dishing effusive praise on Jefferson, describing his catch as “Randy Moss-esque” — he would certainly know! — and “absolutely ridiculous.” Play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt added that Jefferson’s snag was the “greatest catch that never counted.”
Jefferson has compiled nearly 1,500 receiving yards this season (Photo: Alika Jenner, Getty)
The unrelated holding penalty also had a significant impact on Sunday’s game, forcing Minnesota to return possession to Green Bay, who needed just 2:19 to find the end zone and whittle a once-17-point deficit down to just two. Ultimately, the Vikings managed to pick up a pair of clutch first downs on their ensuing drive, stripping Green Bay of its remaining timeouts and kneeling out a 27-25 victory.
Minnesota now improves to 14-2 on the 2024 season, needing a win in their final regular-season game against the Lions in Week 18— a tie would also be sufficient if Detroit loses to San Francisco Monday. The action from Ford Field will kick off Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET and will broadcast on NBC.