"Don't think of yourself selfishly": Justin Jefferson makes feelings clear on low end zone targets after Deebo Samuel's public outburst
Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson opened up about the challenges of being a top wide receiver in the NFL, revealing a refreshingly mature perspective on team dynamics and personal performance.
During Thursday's The Rich Eisen Show appearance, Jefferson addressed his recent struggles with scoring touchdowns and receiving targets.
"No, I wouldn't say I'm very vocal about it," Jefferson said. "I understand the way defenses have been playing me, especially in the red zone. I understand the amount of attention that I'm getting and drawing away from other guys on this offense.
"So yes, it is frustrating at times. Just like you said, it's been over a month and a half, two months since I've even touched the paint in the end zone. So that's definitely something that I don't want to happen ... You got to look at the big picture, don't think of yourself selfishly."
His comments come after another star wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, faced significant criticism for publicly complaining about his role in the San Francisco 49ers' offense. Jefferson's statement subtly contrasts with Samuel's approach, highlighting a more team-oriented mindset.
Deebo Samuel's controversial social media outburst before Justin Jefferson's take
Deebo Samuel earlier tweeted this week, "Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball" - a statement he quickly deleted after criticism.
The numbers tell a stark story of Samuel's challenging season. Through 12 games, he's managed just 40 catches for 553 yards and one touchdown. His 3.3 catches per game and 46.1 receiving yards per game are career lows.
During the 12-6 loss to the Rams, Samuel dropped a crucial touchdown pass, further amplifying his struggles.
Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation on Wednesday:
"Deebo and I talk every day. I understand Deebo saying that," Shanahan explained. He added a telling insight: "We'd always love things to stay in-house. That's probably why I don't mess with social media."
Shanahan's most revealing comment came when he described the situation as "water under the bridge," highlighting the team's internal approach to handling player frustrations.
With key players like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Jordan Mason on injured reserve, the 49ers desperately need Samuel's playmaking abilities. Yet, his performance has fallen short of expectations.