Should NFL expansion be in the works, Canadian fans can be excited knowing that they’ve got at least one big name in their corner.
While in London preparing for the International Series game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson told reporters that he thinks Canada could get a team in the near future.
“I can definitely see [the NFL]expanding to Canada,” Jefferson said when asked about the possibility of a team heading north of the border. “I feel like Canada would be the easiest place to expand. Of course, you know, the NBA has a Canadian team. So I mean, I think it will come in the near future hopefully.”
Jefferson and the Vikings touched down in London on Friday. It’s the second time that the superstar gets to go jet-setting for a game, as he helped the Vikings take down the New Orleans Saints in 2022 in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 25-year-old was appreciative of the opportunity to play in international games, relishing the chance to take the sport around the world.
He told reporters that he especially likes the fact that he gets to play in front of fans who might not have had the chance to see football otherwise.
“Expanding our game to all the other different countries and just kind of exposing the game that we play,” Jefferson said. “We’re the only country that really plays the sport the way we do. So expanding it and getting some fans in other countries is very good.”
In 2022, the NFL began the International Home Marketing Areas initiative, which allowed 25 teams to freely market themselves in specific countries, Canada among them.
The Vikings were one of three teams to be given regional rights to Canada, with the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks being the other two.
Jefferson was asked if he feels Toronto would be the best choice for a team in Canada.
“Toronto wouldn’t be a bad place to start,” he said. “But I mean Canada is so big and has so many different cities. I feel like they can pick one of them and it will go.”
Jefferson is enjoying a stellar season with the rejuvenated Vikings, totalling 358 receiving yards and four touchdowns while helping the team to an undefeated 4-0 record.
