Justin Jefferson family tree: Meet fellow LSU brothers Jordan and Rickey, dad John and more from Louisiana roots

David Suggs

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Justin Jefferson family tree: Meet fellow LSU brothers Jordan and Rickey, dad John and more from Louisiana roots image

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There's a lot to like about Justin Jefferson's game.

The Vikings' wideout might not be the undisputed best wide receiver in the league, but he certainly has a case for the title. He turns opposition defenders to ashes with his route-running skills, top-line speed and catch radius. Then, there are the aesthetic flourishes which adorn his performances — he treats the end zone like a ballroom and a showroom, waltzing across it as his glistening chains bob back-and-forth.

Jefferson has been one of football's finest wideouts since he entered the league in 2020. There's little reason to believe that changes any time soon. And with numbers that compare favorably to those of Randy Moss, Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson, it seems a golden haven — and jacket — could beckon in Jefferson's future.

We know the Jefferson of now, draped in purple and yellow with hints of gold and silver positioned on his teeth and chest. But how did he reach this point — and who helped him get here?

With that, The Sporting News takes a look at Jefferson's family tree, a unit teeming with athletic prowess all its own.

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Justin Jefferson dad: John Jefferson

Jefferson's father is John Jefferson. He, too, was an athlete, albeit on an entirely different playing surface. John specialized on the hardwood, turning out for Division II side Nebraska Western and Northeast Louisiana (now Louisiana-Monroe). He even mounted Rucker Park's treacherous terrain “maybe once or twice”, he told the Advocate in 2018.

A salesman for an industrial supply company, John aided in Justin's development throughout his youth. As children, the Jefferson boys would twirl around a vacant lot located next to their childhood home. John was there, too, either participating in their makeshift drills or watching along from a lawn chair. It was on this wretched surface that Justin showed hints of the player he would soon become.

So, John attempted to buy it after his boys moved out of the house.

 "There's a lot of our history on that lot," John told ESPN in 2022. "I asked [the lot owner], did he want to sell it? We spent a lot of time on this lot."

The lot owner decided to build on it. A neighbor's house was constructed atop the dirt-filled surface. Still, whenever the family walks by the property, the memories come flooding.

"I'm glad we had it for the time we did," John said.

Justin does too. He paid tribute to his parents and their contributions to his personal and professional development after being named AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.

“I’ve got to thank my parents, John and Elaine Jefferson," Jefferson said. "Y’all made me into the man I am today."

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Justin Jefferson mom: Elaine Jefferson

Jefferson's mom is Elaine Jefferson. She also was a hooper, flicking the amber moonscape as a youngster.

According to John Jefferson, Elaine and her sisters are nearly 6-feet tall. That might explain Justin's impressive frame.

Elaine and John were high school sweethearts, each starring on the hardwood at Slidell High School in Destrehan, Louisiana. For a while, it seemed as if the court was where their sons would gravitate towards.

“It wasn’t something we pushed,” John said. “As a kid they just had the natural gift to play (football).”

John and Elaine aren't too bothered by their sons' decisions. They are fixtures at Justin's games, traveling home and away to root on their youngest son.

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Justin Jefferson brother: Jordan Jefferson

Justin's oldest brother is Jordan Jefferson. He played QB at LSU from 2008-2011, starting 32 games across his four seasons on campus. Jordan started two games as a freshman before being handed full-time starting responsibilities in his sophomore season. He posted tallies of 2,166 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, leading the Tigers to an 8-4 record in 2009.

Jordan was briefly suspended after being charged with simple battery related to a preseason bar fight in 2011. He played sparingly during the first half of his final year on campus, although he started each of the final five games of the season after impressing relief in a win against Alabama.

Jordan started the 2012 BCS National Championship against the Crimson Tide. This time around, though, he couldn't get going; LSU was held scoreless, falling 21-0 to its hated rivals.

With 4,733 yards and 34 touchdowns to his name, Jordan ranks 10th in passing yards and passing touchdowns in program history. He couldn't latch onto an NFL side, settling for spots in the CFL, AFL and Fall Experimental Football League. He hasn't a down of professional football since 2014.

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Justin Jefferson brother: Rickey Jefferson

Jefferson's other brother is Rickey Jefferson. He also turned out for the Tigers, playing as a safety for Les Miles' bunch.

A two-way talent at Destrehan High School, Rickey took to defense at the collegiate level. He emerged as a steady performer in his sophomore season, tying for the team lead in interceptions (two). He kept his solid showings going across his final two seasons on campus, starting 14 of his final 17 matches.

Jordan landed a spot on the Raiders' practice squad in 2017. But he couldn't hold on, being released a few months later. He hasn't seen an NFL roster since.

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Justin Jefferson daughter: Stella Anastasia

Jefferson's daughter is Stella Anastasia. She was born on Dec. 21, 2023 to Andrea Galea, Jefferson's alleged ex-girlfriend.

In 2024, a family court judge in New Jersey ruled that Jefferson is the girl's father after Galea launched a lawsuit to establish paternity. The judge summarily stated that Jefferson and Galea agreed to "interim child support obligation."

The Daily Mail reported that Jefferson didn't want Galea to go through with the pregnancy after they rekindled their relationship in 2023. Texts between Jefferson and Galea revealed that Jefferson wanted Galea's pregnancy to get "situated."

Where is Justin Jefferson from?

Jefferson hails from St. Rose Louis., a town located on the east bank of the Mississippi River. The township has a population of 7,500 and has seen a number of NFL talents emerge from its shores, including Ed Reed, Macon Clark and Josh Victorian.

Jefferson attended Destrehan High School. Reed also attended the high school, as did his brothers.

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David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.