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 an All-Pro.

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.

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 touchdown.

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 every part of the recovery process stood out to teammates.

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.

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