Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson expressed his excitement Wednesday about the team signing veteran Odell Beckham Jr., his fellow LSU alum.
"It's definitely cool," Jefferson said during a press conference. "All of the years I've watched him play and looked up to his game and his play style, both on and off the field, how he carries himself as a superstar in the league and just managing it."
Jefferson described a long-standing connection with Beckham, noting that they had often discussed the possibility of playing together. "We've been brothers for a very, very long time. The connection has always been there. We've always kind of talked about this moment and one day being able to play with each other, but for it to actually be here is definitely crazy."
Beckham called Jefferson on Tuesday night to share the news of his signing. "The excitement on his face and just the excitement that we both share together, it was definitely a cool moment," Jefferson added.
The Vikings signed Beckham to their practice squad on Wednesday. This move comes as Jefferson recently missed the team's Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins due to an ankle injury.
Beckham, a former Pro Bowler with the New York Giants from 2014-2016, spent his first five NFL seasons with the team before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019. He had brief stints with the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens prior to missing the 2022 season with a torn ACL and helping the Los Angeles Rams win the Super Bowl in 2021.
Jefferson, a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 13 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns over the three games he played this season. Despite the team's 4-0 record, the Vikings' offense has faced struggles, ranking last in the NFL in passing yards (156.0 per game), 31st in total yards (262.8 per game), 18th in points scored (21.5 per game), and 16th in rushing yards (106.8 per game).
Both Jefferson and Beckham played collegiate football at LSU. Jefferson was part of the Tigers' 2019 National Championship team and ranks among the school's all-time leaders in receiving touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards. Beckham played at LSU from 2011-2013 and was selected by the Giants with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He averaged 19.5 yards per reception during his standout junior season.
The Vikings, with their newly signed receiver, are scheduled to play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.