There is a moment early in the Netflix series “Receiver” that perfectly captures the essence of Vikings star Justin Jefferson.

Not long after suffering a hamstring injury during an early-season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs last fall, Jefferson is filmed in the driver’s seat of his Maybach SUV, the sun shining on his face as he navigates the back roads near TCO Performance Center in Eagan.

Not only does the clip offer a look into the early stages of the recovery process, it provides some insight into who he is at his core.

“No one in this game could ever tell me to not play or to tank the season or to do any of that other stuff because I’m not that type of person,” Jefferson said. “I want to play. I love the game of football. I want to be the best, so in order for that to happen I’ve got to be out there.”

Not once did Jefferson think about sitting out. Never mind what some talking heads were suggesting he should do with a lucrative contract extension looming. He made it his mission to get back as soon as possible, and eventually, he did, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the 2023 season despite playing in only 10 games.

A large portion of Jefferson’s story arch in the Netflix series is centered on him working his way back from the hamstring injury. You see the tenacity with which he approaches the toughest stretch of his career. He’s determined to get through it for his teammates, as well as for himself.

His journey throughout the recovery process is backdrop. Whenever he’s on the screen, however, Jefferson shows that he’s so much more than that.

There are hilarious moments. Like when he gushes about his alter ego “Jets” in front of a mirror while laying himself in jewelry. Or when he declares his love for candy during a tour of his house that would have been worthy of an MTV Cribs feature once upon a time.

There are endearing moments. Like when he teaches rookie receiver Jordan Addison some tricks of the trade on the sidelines. Or when he serves as the biggest cheerleader for franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins after he ruptures his Achilles tendon.

There are heartwarming moments. Like when he interacts with his parents John and Elaine, who he so clearly adores. Or when he talks about his older brothers Jordan and Rickey and how proud he is that they can live vicariously through him.

He’s just a good dude.

All of it leads up to Jefferson returning to the field in a Dec. 10 road game against the Las Vegas Raiders. His comeback is shortlived as he’s crushed while hauling in a pass over the middle. He’s seen coughing and spitting blood on the sidelines, and is rushed to the hospital via ambulance.

Many thought that would be enough for Jefferson to shut it down. Nope. Not a chance.

“I want to be out there competing and fighting every single play,” he said. “I’m going to push through it regardless and just try to suck it up.”

After finally catching his stride, Jefferson finished the final month with a combined 30 receptions for 476 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He capped that stretch with an exclamation point — 12 catches for 192 yards receiving and a touchdown in the season finale. He did everything in his power to will the Vikings into the playoffs and came up just short.

“The times that I was out there on that field making plays, I was pretty good,” Jefferson said. “The (team’s) record doesn’t say so, and that’s the frustrating part about it. Individually I did good and still the outcome is bad. It’s like, ‘What more can I do?’ ”

The fact that Jefferson is asking himself that question says everything that needs to be said about him. He’s the ultimate competitor, and the Vikings are lucky to have him.

The penultimate scene of the Netflix series “Receiver” is perfect. It shows Jefferson signing his historic 4-year, $140 million contract extension. He cheeses as he puts pen to paper on a deal that will effectively achieve generational wealth for him and his family.

It’s a fitting way to end it because Jefferson is worth every penny. The peek behind the curtain only reaffirmed that.

Related Articles

Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson dies in Maryland car accident

Here’s what you need to know about the verdict in the ‘NFL Sunday Ticket’ trial and what’s next

Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws

Vikings sign young defensive tackle Jalen Redmond

Why is the NFL being sued over its ‘Sunday Ticket’ package?