Sophia
Dublin, Ireland — Get ready, Ireland! The NFL is making its historic debut in your vibrant capital this Sunday, and Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is promising a special “Ireland edition” of his famous Griddy touchdown celebration.
Jefferson, who has popularized the Griddy since his breakout 2019 season at LSU, revealed his plans to reporters on Friday, hinting at a unique twist for the Vikings’ Week 4 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A Global Stage for the Griddy
“We’ve got a little addition to the Griddy, a little Ireland edition,” Jefferson said with a wide smile. “Hopefully, I’ll get to bust it out Sunday.”
The Griddy has become synonymous with Jefferson’s electrifying play, a celebratory dance that began with inspiration from his mother and has since swept across football fields at all levels. Fans have grown accustomed to seeing the iconic move after many of his spectacular touchdowns throughout his already impressive NFL career.
This isn’t Jefferson’s first taste of international football. He previously played in London last year, catching six passes for 92 yards in Minnesota’s 23-17 victory over the New York Jets. However, Sunday marks a special occasion for Irish fans, providing their inaugural opportunity to experience NFL action live.
Putting on a Show for a New Fanbase
Jefferson is clearly eager to make a lasting impression on this new audience. “I definitely want to put on a show, especially since this is the first time we’re playing in front of people from Ireland,” he emphasized.
He added, “There’s going to be so many people out there that it’s going to be the first time watching me play football—play football period. Some people don’t even know anything about football and still coming to the game and still wanting to watch what’s going on. And watch people put on a show. So, I’m always excited for that. Always excited to be in front of a new fanbase and really for people to experience what it’s like to watch Justin Jefferson out there on that field.”
The “O’Griddy” Takes Shape?
While a Vikings victory remains the top priority, Jefferson is undeniably focused on leaving his personal mark on the game. His research into Irish culture has inspired the upcoming modification to his signature dance.
“I had a little bit of research already just knowing about Ireland and the different culture, the different style that y’all have here,” Jefferson explained. “So just adding that in towards my routine with the Griddy and I’m always trying to find new ways to improve the Griddy and just do different celebrations for the people to see.”
When a reporter playfully suggested “O’Griddy” as a potential name for the new iteration, Jefferson’s response was enthusiastic. “I might,” he said with a laugh. “I might take that actually.”
Fans in Dublin and around the world will be eagerly watching to see if Jefferson finds the end zone and unveils his much-anticipated “Ireland edition” Griddy. It promises to be a memorable moment in a historic NFL international game.
Tim Capurso is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Prior to joining SI in November 2023, he wrote for RotoBaller and ClutchPoints, where he was the lead editor for MLB, college football and NFL coverage. A lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, Capurso grew up just outside New York City and now lives near Philadelphia. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with his family, including his three-legged cat Willow, who, unfortunately, is an Eagles fan.
