The impact of Jets Day extends so much farther than the time measurement in its title.
It's true for the 10 Make-A-Wish recipients who spent an unforgettable September afternoon with Justin Jefferson; it's also true, however, for the phenom Vikings receiver.
Jefferson is continuing to hold those young men close to his heart, and he'll continue sharing their stories this weekend. For the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative, Jefferson's cleats Sunday will be custom-painted to represent Make-A-Wish — and will feature the 10 signatures of his special guests.
Avery Fast, 18, initially was at a loss for words upon hearing his name will be on Jefferson's cleats for the Week 13 clash in Seattle.
"It makes me feel like it wasn't a one-time thing," Fast reflected. "Jets Day wasn't something out of obligation or to look good, but rather because he loves the community and loves us. That's what this really shows me. Plus, it adds even more memories for us.
"It's so awesome he built on from that day," Fast added. "The days just keep getting better and better with Justin Jefferson — those memories keep getting better and better — and he just adds to it by wearing these cleats."
Jefferson grinned ear-to-ear when he saw his cleats for the first time, picking them up and turning them over in his hands to admire the autographs hand-painted in white, each one unique, on an airbrushed gray background. Vikings Purple laces complemented the design.
"Oh, these are tough with the signatures," he said, grinning.
Jefferson's smile softened, hinting at a moment of emotion as he carefully read over each name.
"These are fire," he reiterated with a nod.
It's been two months since Jefferson hosted the young people, who ranged from 5 to 18 years old and have faced significant medical challenges, at a Twin Cities Air Reserve hangar.
Jefferson participated in a Q&A moderated by Sunday Night Football's Maria Taylor, offering inspiration to the guests of honor, and then spent an additional two hours connecting and creating intentional memories.
The young men and their families also attended the Vikings-Falcons game the following day, after which a grateful Jefferson stopped by their turf-level suite and reconnected.
"Truly once-in-a-lifetime," Fast said of the weekend.
The experience has continued to influence the way Fast approaches his every-day life.
Fast, a senior at Windom Area High School, was tasked this fall with ideating a project that would benefit his community. Inspired by Jefferson, the 18-year-old decided to plan and host his own "Tackle Cancer" football game to support the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund.
"Jefferson does so much with his community, and I thought it would be a really cool idea," he said.
Fast expressed gratitude to the Vikings, who provided silent auction items that included T.J. Hockenson, Joshua Metellus and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell autographed footballs, mini helmets signed by Justin Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy and Crucial Catch hats. Small businesses from Windom and neighboring towns also donated items for the cause, as did the Minnesota Gophers.
Fast planned the initiative around the Windom-Jackson County Central game, hoping to capitalize on a traditional rivalry, and even recruited support from the opposing team and its community.
Vikings Director of Youth & High School Football Joe Rush, who spent time with the Fast family on Jets Day and has kept in close contact with Avery, and Vikings Director of Alumni Relations Tom West traveled to Windom for the game and were accompanied by Vikings Legend Dave Dixon.
"It was just awesome," Fast said. "Joe is such a good guy, and he wanted to learn more about me when we met at Jets Day, and we've just connected really well. It was awesome they came to support."
Thanks to Fast's passion and energy, the Windom-Jackson County "Tackle Cancer" game raised more than $6,300.
Consider it one more experience that will stick with him for years to come.
"Giving back means a lot," Fast. "After the Make-A-Wish experience, and then doing my own project was so fun, and I just loved the feeling. It's an awesome feeling to make a difference, and I'd love to keep doing it — that's just one of the things I learned from Justin Jefferson."
