Justin Jefferson Responds to Brutal Messages Directed Toward Teammate
Justin Jefferson, 26, is operating within his sixth season as a Viking, making him one of the more established players in the Twin Cities. Partner that reality with wearing a “C” while being the NFL’s best receiver and he’s understandably leaned on to provide leadership.
Unfortunately, that leadership has needed to manifest itself in coming to the defense of his teammate Isaiah Rodgers, the speedy corner who was added in free agency (and who has since done historic things). After the loss to Philadelphia, Rodgers posted on social media that he had received very disturbing messages: “Some of the most racist comments I ever seen or read since i enter the league.”
Justin Jefferson on Isaiah Rodgers Messages
Fans can — and should — feel passionately about the team. Fans can’t — and shouldn’t — ever allow that passion to lead them toward crossing the line.
Before Mr. Rodgers is a football player, Mr. Rodgers is a human being. He therefore makes mistakes while doing great things, too. At no point within any of the corner’s mixture of good and bad moments should anyone feel empowered to cross the line by directing racist messages at him (or, for that matter, anyone).
Consider what Jefferson had to say.
“Yeah, it’s always tough,” Jefferson began, “it’s definitely tough, especially with social media. People don’t really have a filter. People don’t really care about your emotions or care about how you’re feeling.” Not too long afterwards, Jefferson explains how he seeks to limit what he sees from fans by not allowing certain words to come through while also shutting off his direct messages.
Jefferson then turns to Rodgers specifically: “I definitely haven’t talked to [Rodgers] about that yet but I definitely want to talk to him about it and see where his head at with it and how comfortable he is about talking about it.”
Notice how Jefferson works through the conversation. At no point is he talking about making a tackle or a catch. There’s nothing about scoring a touchdown or messing up a coverage assignment. Rather, there’s a comment on how the messages impact players as human beings. He’s talking about emotions and feelings, basic ingredients for being a normal person.
Sometimes, fans can be fooled into thinking that NFL players are somehow impervious to pain. By no means is that true even if they’re (almost by definition) very resilient, tough people.
Reaching into racist ideas and wording is never permissible, folks, and should never be directed at any player whether online or in person.
In Week 8, the Vikings will take on the Chargers. Getting the win will mean climbing up to 4-3, a record that’s there largely due to strong football from Justin Jefferson and Isaiah Rodgers.
Fans are heartily encouraged to enjoy the game. Ride the rollercoaster of emotions that sports can elicit, going high when the team succeeds and feeling low when the team stumbles. Regardless of the outcome and individual performances, fans need to remember the basic human dignity that exists within each player and proceed accordingly.
Kickoff is tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m. CT.
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