DETROIT -- Justin Jefferson took a breath as he considered the question. Jefferson had just completed what he has called the most "difficult" season of his career, one in which he missed more games for injury (seven) than he had during his previous six years at the college and pro levels combined.
In between, however, the Minnesota Vikings receiver was the most productive pass-catcher in the NFL, a data point that will further bolster his position when he and the team re-start negotiations for a contract extension this spring. Jefferson became only the third player in NFL history to produce a 1,000-yard receiving season while playing in 10 or fewer games -- and the first in 31 years -- after a 12-catch, 192-yard performance in the Vikings' season-ending 30-20 loss to the Detroit Lions.