Football & Family: The Justin Jefferson Story
Superstar Sports Biographies Series
What’s inside...
Read the inspiring true story of how Justin Jefferson became a star football player for the LSU Tigers and the Minnesota Vikings. Justin Jefferson was born into a football family. His two older brothers both played football in college, and Justin seemed destined to follow them. As a child, Justin showed off his skills, placing third in a national football competition. He went on to star at wide receiver for his high school team in Destrehan, Louisiana. However, Justin didn’t catch the attention of many college football teams. No one knew how great he could be. With the support of his family, Justin chose to follow his brothers to Louisiana State University (LSU). After a year on the bench, Justin began a record-setting career that included a national championship. Despite his college success, he was only the fifth wide receiver chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft. He joined the Minnesota Vikings, determined to become one of the best players in the league. Written by Chad Israelson, with beautiful illustrations by Phil Juliano, this picture book for children tells the story of Justin Jefferson’s surprising rise to stardom. Many people doubted him along the way, but Justin proved anything is possible with a family’s love and devotion. This inspiring Justin Jefferson book is perfect for children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What character traits do you admire in Justin Jefferson and why?
How does Justin's relationship with his family influence his success both on and off the field?
Can you think of a time when you worked really hard to achieve a goal like Justin did? What did that experience teach you?
What does this story tell us about the importance of teamwork and support?
How do you think facing challenges helped Justin grow as a person and as an athlete?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a positive tone for the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about Justin Jefferson’s journey and the lessons you believe can be learned from his story.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Justin's to help them connect more deeply with the story and its messages.
Discuss the family dynamics in the book and ask your child to draw parallels or note differences with your own family interactions and support systems.
Use questions that require more than a yes or no response to encourage your child to think critically and express themselves more fully.
Highlight the importance of persistence, hard work, and family support emphasized in the story, discussing how these values can be applied in your child’s own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Hard work pays off
Explanation: The story illustrates Justin Jefferson's dedication to football from a young age, highlighting his practice routines and commitment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of dedication and persistence in achieving goals, whether in sports, academics, or any other interests.
Example Lesson: Importance of family support
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes how Justin's family, especially his brothers, played a crucial role in his football journey, offering support and encouragement.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and seek support from their own family members in their pursuits, understanding the strength of familial bonds.
Example Lesson: Overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Justin faces numerous challenges on his path to becoming a professional football player, but he overcomes them with resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own challenges with resilience, understanding that obstacles are a part of growth and can be overcome with effort and a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights Justin's experiences playing football in college and professionally, showing how teamwork is essential to success on the field.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate and work effectively with others, recognizing that success often comes from working together towards common goals.
Example Lesson: Following your passion
Explanation: Justin's journey is driven by his love for football, which is portrayed passionately in the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to identify and pursue their own passions, understanding that doing what you love can lead to fulfillment and success.