The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers have one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL. But that status has been built on a foundation of subplots, such as the current one between Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Jefferson was asked by reporters on Thursday what he thought of the rivalry between himself and Alexander, and instead of posting bulletin board material, Jefferson just roasted the Packers corner with honesty.
“I don't really care about the matchup, honestly. I feel like he cares more than I do. But it is what it is. That's every team. It's no nick-nack at Jaire; that's every team in how they scheme against me and how they try to play me.
It doesn't matter if I'm going up against Jaire on the worst corner in the league. It doesn't matter. We have a game plan, a scheme, and a plan to go out there and execute no matter who's guarding me."
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson not concerned about Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander
Jefferson’s comments make sense, as he’s had success in the NFL regardless of who has guarded him — especially against Green Bay.
Jefferson has 34 catches for 537 yards and four touchdowns in seven games against the Packers during his career, and most of the damage has come against the Packers' top corner.
But the most notable moment in the rivalry occurred during a Minnesota loss at Lambeau Field in the 2022 season when Alexander used Jefferson’s trademark “Griddy” celebration after an incompletion.
“Yeah, I mean, it is what it is. I think that was Week 17 at that point. I mean, it is what it is.
…He likes to do that stuff to get inside someone's head. I'm not really tripping on that. I'm just going to get my get back by Griddying in his end zone. So, I'm not tripping on it at all.”
While Alexander missed last year’s Week 17 win by Green Bay inside U.S. Bank Stadium, Jefferson is excited to renew acquaintances and — as he says — attack the matchup on Sunday.
"He tries to [get in your head]. He definitely tries to. I mean, he reminds me of my big brother [in that he] always just tries to nick-nack at every single thing. Trying to play the head game. Trying to hit you a little extra or push you a little extra than normal people do.
I understand it's a tactic to get inside my head and to mess up my game plan and what I'm doing. But it doesn't really work.
I understand he has some help over the top sometimes. He likes to do the jump jam. He likes to put hands on [receivers], to disrupt the route. We have a plan for it, and I can't wait to go up against it, honestly."
