Jefferson, DePaola are first-team All-Pros

VIKINGS REPORT

Vikings’ WR was unanimous selection; Van Ginkel named to second team by AP

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Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 16 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Jefferson was named a unanimous first-team All-Pro on Friday. JOHN AUTEY — PIONEER PRESS

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By Dane Mizutani

dmizutani@pioneerpress.com

The excellence of star receiver Justin Jefferson knows no bounds.

Though his dominance for the Vikings on a weekly basis often gets taken for granted, Jefferson got his flowers on Friday, when he was named a unanimous first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press.

The recognition was very much deserved as Jefferson finished this season with 103 catches for 1,522 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing in every game for the Vikings. This is the fourth time he has been named All-Pro.

“It feels good fore sure,” Jefferson said. “Just the respect level is what I’m most proud of.”

The only pass catcher who had a better campaign than Jefferson was Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who finished this season with 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Not bad considering Jefferson and Chase were teammates in college at LSU.

“It’s definitely a special bond that we have,” Jefferson said. “It’s crazy that we played alongside each other.”

In addition to Jefferson, long snapper Andrew DePaola was also named first-team All-Pro, while edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel was named second-team All-Pro.

The emergence of Van Ginkel has been instrumental for the Vikings this season. He finished with career highs in tackles (79), tackles for loss (18), sacks (11.5) and interceptions (2). He also became the first player since Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jason Taylor in 2006 to have at least 11 sacks and a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns.

Hockenson honored

When the Vikings were considering which player should be the team’s 2024 Ed Block Courage Award recipient, star tight end T.J. Hockenson was a natural choice.

After suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament on Dec. 24, 2023 against against the Detroit Lions, Hockenson steadily worked his way back to 100 percent, making his highly anticipated return on Nov. 3, 2024 against the Indianapolis Colts.

That determination with which Hockenson attacked his recovery process stood out to teammates.

“It means a lot for them to vote for me,” Hockenson said. “They were there with me every step of the way and saw what it takes to go through that.”

The annual accolade is named after Ed Block — the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts — and honors a player from each team who exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.

In total, Hockenson recorded 41 receptions and 455 receiving yards across 10 games, serving as a security blanket for quarterback Sam Darnold, while opening things up for Jefferson and other pass catchers on the team.

Jones misses practice

It’s looking more and more likely that edge rusher Pat Jones II will miss the playoff game between the Vikings and the Rams. He did not participate in practice on Friday afternoon.

Jones has not practiced for the Vikings in any capacity since suffering a knee injury on Dec. 29, 2024 against the Green Bay Packers. The only other player on the roster that did not participate in practice was running back Ty Chandler, who missed due to illness.

Running back Aaron Jones was a limited participant Friday with a quad injury, but should be good to go Monday.