EAGAN, Minn. – Backdropped by a wall of his personal football memorabilia, Justin Jefferson eased into a chair, ready to let the whole world know about his newest footprint on NFL history.

“The time has finally come — the deal I have been waiting for since I was a little kid,” he began in a video message he posted at 8:18 a.m. (CT) today, matching the minute to his No. 18 Vikings jersey.

He noted how people had doubted him in high school and the 2020 NFL Draft but focused on those who believed in him.

Their support through good and bad helped during his journey to the highest contract for a non-QB in NFL history, a four-year deal that will be added to the final year of his rookie contract. Once signed, Jefferson will be under contract through 2028.

“First off, I want to thank the man above. Without God, this wouldn’t be possible at all,” Jefferson said. “To be given a gift to play football at the highest level, it’s a blessing, an honor.

“To my mom and dad, thank you. This is a journey for all of us, and y’all are still with us every step of the way,” Jefferson added. “To my brothers, Rickey and Jordan, y’all are everything. Y’all made me who I am today. This is a new step in our journey, a new step in life. I always dreamt of this moment and to now share it with all of y’all — a dream that we all had, it’s a blessing.”