Breaking news out of the Minnesota Vikings organization — Trishton Jackson, one of Justin Jefferson’s closest friends, is on the move after spending four seasons with the team. On January 17, Jackson signed a reserve/futures contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
Jackson, who bounced between the Vikings’ active roster and practice squad since 2021, had made a name for himself as a fan favorite, particularly during the preseason. But it wasn’t just the fans who were drawn to Jackson—Jefferson himself considered him a close confidant.
For four seasons, Jefferson and Jackson were inseparable, as noted by team reporter Lindsey Young. The two first crossed paths at the 2020 NFL Combine, often paired together alphabetically. While Jackson was undrafted and spent his first season with the Los Angeles Rams, his bond with Jefferson deepened once he joined the Vikings in 2021.
“It’s crazy you asked that, because me and [Jefferson] were just talking 20 minutes ago about it,” Jackson shared. “I met him at the combine, and we were with each other every step of the way. It feels the same way here. Ever since I got to Minnesota, he’s been with me every step of the way. He’s my brother away from home. He’s helped me in every situation – on the field, off the field. We always watch film together at his house, but I feel like our relationship is deeper than football. Whatever everybody sees on the football field is like, that’s cool, but as far as me and him, we’re bigger than football.”
Their bond extended to the field, especially during the 2024 preseason. During a game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Jefferson was mic’d up and was seen celebrating emphatically when J.J. McCarthy connected with Jackson for a 45-yard touchdown pass. It was an emotional moment for both players, marking Jackson’s first 100-yard game and a huge milestone in his career.
“I can’t imagine what it feels like for him to be given an opportunity, and not every opportunity is fantastic or great, so for him to be the spotlight of Saturday’s game, and to have his first 100-yard game, you know, that’s something special for him,” Jefferson said. “Especially the way he’s been performing this entire training camp and making plays all over the field. So, it was definitely awesome to see him get in the end zone finally, to see him just be excited and happy for that moment.”
Jackson’s standout performance during training camp earned him the unofficial title of “Mr. Mankato”, an award given to a breakout performer in the preseason.
“You know, he’s a hooper, so he knows how to move, how to get open and, I mean, the catch point of the ball, he’s definitely making plays out there,” Jefferson said. “He’s showing up every time on the film, so the more he shows up, the more he has a chance to be out there on the field on Sunday.”
With Jackson’s departure to the Cardinals, the Vikings have been busy bolstering their roster. On the same day Jackson signed with Arizona, the Vikings brought back rookie Jeshaun Jones, who had also spent time on the practice squad in 2024.
In terms of new signings, the Vikings made several moves to strengthen their depth, including adding Lucky Jackson and Thayer Thomas. Here’s a list of the players signed as of January 17:
- QB Brett Rypien
- RB Zavier Scott
- WR Lucky Jackson
- WR Thayer Thomas
- WR Jeshaun Jones
- OT Leroy Watson
- OT Marcellus Johnson
- OG Henry Byrd
- DL Jonathan Harris
- DL Travis Bell
- OLB Gabriel Murphy
- ILB Max Tooley
- CB Kahlef Hailassie
- CB Reddy Steward
- CB Ambry Thomas
- CB Neshon Wright
While the Vikings move forward, Jackson’s legacy in Minnesota — especially his strong bond with Jefferson — will not be easily forgotten.
