MINNEAPOLIS — Suppose some records are meant to be tied.
Justin Jefferson has shattered plenty of them already in his young career, but this one he'll share with future Pro Football Hall of Famer (and former Vikings ballboy) Larry Fitzgerald.
The sixth-year pro recorded his 500th career catch on his first reception against the Atlanta Falcons during NBC's nationally televised Sunday Night Football.
View game action photos from the Vikings vs. Falcons Week 2 Sunday Night Football game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
At 26 years and 90 days, Jefferson is the same age as Fitzgerald was when he hit the milestone.
Jefferson's 500th catch went for a gain of 9 yards. He executed a speed out and caught the pass from J.J. McCarthy along Minnesota's sideline with less than two minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The play followed a takeaway by Minnesota's defense that resulted from Eric Wilson forcing a fumble after a 20-yard reception by Atlanta's Drake London. Theo Jackson recovered the football and returned it 10 yards to set Minnesota up at its 32 with 1:28 remaining in the first quarter.
Fitzgerald accomplished the 500-catch milestone in 2009 with the Arizona Cardinals.
Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb reached 500 catches in Week 1 at 26 years and 149 days of age and is now the third youngest.
Minnesota's 2025 home opener is Jefferson's 79th regular-season game.
Michael Thomas is the only NFL player to reach 500 receptions in fewer games, accomplishing the feat in his 69th game.
View pregame photos as the Vikings get set for the home opener against the Falcons at US Bank Stadium.
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