Justin Jefferson knows a thing or two about elite offensive minds - after all, he’s worked with some of the best. So when the All-Pro wide receiver lights up talking about Joe Brady, it’s worth paying attention.
The Minnesota Vikings star recently spoke about Brady’s rise to the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching job, and let’s just say the respect runs deep. Their connection dates back to LSU’s historic 2019 season, where Brady served as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach - titles that don’t quite capture the impact he had on Jefferson’s development.
“He’s already been doing a phenomenal job behind the scenes,” Jefferson said. “Of course, the TV crew will show him in the box calling the plays and stuff… He’s a great coach.”
That 2019 LSU offense didn’t just light up scoreboards - it launched careers. Jefferson credits Brady as a pivotal figure in his journey to becoming a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The numbers back it up, but for Jefferson, it was about more than stats - it was about growth.
“I feel like he was mostly the reason why I got picked first round,” Jefferson said. “He’s the reason why my hands got better, why a lot of things occurred during that season.”
Think about that for a second. One of the league’s most dynamic receivers pointing directly to Brady as the catalyst for his leap to the next level. That’s not just praise - that’s personal validation of Brady’s ability to develop talent, scheme creatively, and connect with his players.
Brady’s journey has been a fast one: from the New Orleans Saints’ staff to LSU, then back to the NFL, and now stepping into the head coaching role in Buffalo. And Jefferson, watching from afar, couldn’t be prouder.
“It’s a blessing - it’s honestly just crazy to see the change over the past six years,” he said. “I’m happy for him, I’m happy to see the different things he’ll do, especially, of course, with Josh Allen at quarterback. I’m excited to see how he carries that team.”
That last part should perk up the ears of Bills fans. Brady now gets to work with one of the NFL’s most gifted quarterbacks in Josh Allen, and if he can tap into the same kind of magic he unlocked at LSU, Buffalo’s offense could be in for a serious evolution.
Naturally, fans are already dreaming of a Jefferson-Brady reunion in Buffalo. But with the Vikings staring down a hefty $46.5 million dead cap hit if they were to move Jefferson before June 1, that’s more fantasy than forecast - at least for now.
Still, Jefferson’s admiration for Brady is real, and it speaks volumes about the kind of leader the Bills are getting. He might not be catching passes from Josh Allen anytime soon, but he’ll be watching - and rooting - for his former coach every step of the way.