Van Jefferson Bio
Vanchi LaShawn Jefferson Jr., known professionally as Van Jefferson, is an American professional football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 26, 1996, in Brentwood, Tennessee, he played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and Florida Gators before being selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Jefferson won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams during the 2021 season and has also played for the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds, he is recognized for his reliable hands, sharp route running, and ability to contribute in key offensive moments.
Early Life and Background
Vanchi LaShawn Jefferson Jr. was born and raised in Brentwood, Tennessee, where football quickly became a central part of his life. He attended Ravenwood High School and emerged as one of the most productive receivers in the state. As a junior, Jefferson recorded 87 receptions for 1,251 yards and 14 touchdowns, demonstrating the blend of size and speed that would define his career.
During his senior season, he was named first team All-State after catching 67 passes for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns. Although Jefferson initially committed to play college football at Georgia, he de-committed in January of his senior year and flipped his commitment to Ole Miss, choosing the Rebels over offers from several prominent programs including Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Path to Professional Football
Jefferson enrolled at Ole Miss in 2015 and redshirted his true freshman season. In 2016, as a redshirt freshman, he totaled 49 catches for 543 yards and three touchdowns, establishing himself as a dependable target. He finished his redshirt sophomore year with 42 receptions for 456 yards and one touchdown, showing steady development within the Rebels’ offense.
Following the 2017 season, Jefferson announced his intent to transfer from Ole Miss after the program was sanctioned by the NCAA, ultimately choosing to continue his collegiate career at Florida. He was granted immediate eligibility to play for the Gators after receiving waivers from the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference. In 2018, his first season with Florida, he led the team with 35 receptions, 503 receiving yards, and six touchdown receptions. As a senior, he caught 49 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns, including six receptions for 129 yards against Virginia in the 2019 Orange Bowl. Jefferson finished his collegiate career with 175 receptions for 2,159 yards and 16 touchdowns in 45 games played.
Van Jefferson Career
Early Career (2020)
Jefferson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round with the 57th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after the Rams traded wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans to acquire the pick. He spent his rookie season adjusting to the professional level while contributing on special teams and within the offensive rotation. In Week 11 of the 2020 season, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded his first professional receiving touchdown, a milestone that signaled his growing role in the Rams’ offense.
Later that season, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, Jefferson recorded six catches for 46 yards and his first playoff touchdown during a 32–18 loss. His postseason exposure provided valuable experience and helped prepare him for the larger role he would assume the following year.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2020–2023)
In 2021, Jefferson saw a significant increase in production playing under new Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and in light of a season-ending injury to teammate Robert Woods. He finished the regular season with 50 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns, becoming a consistent contributor in the Rams’ high-powered passing attack. Jefferson became a Super Bowl champion when the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 in Super Bowl LVI, recording four catches for 23 yards in the victory.
On September 24, 2022, Jefferson was placed on injured reserve before being designated to return on October 24 and activated for Week 8. On December 8, 2022, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass from newly signed quarterback Baker Mayfield to beat the Las Vegas Raiders, one of the most memorable plays of his Rams tenure.
Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers (2023–2024)
On October 10, 2023, Jefferson was traded to the Atlanta Falcons for a swap of 2025 late round picks. He played 12 games for the Falcons, totaling 12 receptions for 101 yards. Jefferson saw only 27 percent of the offensive snaps in his first outing with the team in Week 6 but later averaged 39 percent of offensive snaps during the remainder of his tenure, illustrating his gradual integration into the offense.
On March 18, 2024, Jefferson signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished the regular season making 24 total receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns as the Steelers finished 10–7 and entered the playoffs as the sixth seeded team in the AFC. During the wild card round, Jefferson caught one touchdown pass from Russell Wilson as the Steelers lost 14–28 to the Baltimore Ravens.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Jefferson signed with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year, $2.5 million contract. He began the preseason as a starter, listed as the third wide receiver on the depth chart. Jefferson caught three passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in the final preseason game, a 23–13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, generating early momentum for his Titans debut.
Jefferson began the regular season as the fourth wide receiver on the roster behind rookie Elic Ayomanor, reflecting a crowded and competitive wide receiver room. His preseason performance, however, suggested a meaningful offensive role as the season progresses.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jefferson is known for his precise route running, dependable hands, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, including game-winning and playoff moments. His experience in multiple offensive systems, from the Rams’ pass-heavy attack to the Steelers’ balanced approach, has made him a versatile possession receiver capable of contributing across various schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most notable moments, Jefferson recorded his first professional receiving touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11 of the 2020 season and won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams in February 2022. He also caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield against the Las Vegas Raiders in December 2022 and scored a touchdown from Russell Wilson during the 2024 AFC Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Van Jefferson Career Wins
Van Jefferson’s most significant victory came when he won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams following the 2021 NFL season, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20. He has also recorded notable regular-season wins throughout his career with the Rams, Falcons, Steelers, and Titans.
Team Highlights
Jefferson contributed to a Rams team that captured the NFC Championship and Super Bowl LVI, establishing himself as a reliable complementary receiver alongside stars like Cooper Kupp. With the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was part of a 10–7 squad that reached the AFC Wild Card playoff round, further cementing his reputation as a dependable team contributor.
Other Performances
Beyond team success, Jefferson delivered strong individual performances, including a 102-yard receiving game in the final preseason contest with the Titans and a six-catch, 46-yard playoff debut with the Rams. His consistency across multiple franchises underscores his longevity in a demanding professional league.
Van Jefferson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jefferson is the son of Shawn Jefferson, a former NFL wide receiver who has served as a wide receivers coach, including with the New York Jets. Growing up in a football household in Brentwood, Tennessee, Jefferson benefited from early guidance and a deep understanding of the professional game. His father’s NFL career provided a clear example of the work ethic and discipline required to succeed at the highest level.
Personal Life
Jefferson is married to Samaria Jefferson, with whom he has four children. His second son was born on February 13, 2022, after Samaria went into labor during Super Bowl LVI, an unforgettable personal moment that coincided with the biggest victory of his professional career. Jefferson and his family continue to maintain a strong presence in Tennessee, the state where he was born and raised.
2025 Season Performance
Van Jefferson entered the 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans after signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract in March 2025. Listed initially as the third wide receiver on the depth chart during the preseason, he delivered a standout performance in the final preseason game, recording three catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in a 23–13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
As the regular season began, Jefferson found himself positioned as the fourth wide receiver behind rookie Elic Ayomanor, signaling a competitive battle for targets within the Titans’ offense. Despite the depth-chart placement, his preseason production suggested a growing role and meaningful contributions as the season unfolds.
Looking ahead, Jefferson’s blend of veteran experience, route-running precision, and proven playoff success positions him as a valuable asset for the Titans’ receiving corps. With the Titans building their offensive identity around a developing passing game, Jefferson is poised to play a steady rotational role while contributing on special teams and in key situational packages.