Justin Jefferson and his college teammates, including key LSU Tigers, continue to secure massive contracts, solidifying their NFL stardom.

When the LSU Tigers won the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, they didn’t just capture a title. They ignited a legacy, one that would continue to impact the NFL for years to come. The roster, led by coach Ed Orgeron and an electric offense powered by Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and others, has become one of the most successful and well-known in college football history. But the story doesn’t end with the championship. As the years have passed, many of the key players from that team have gone on to not just have successful NFL careers, but to become some of the highest-paid, most dominant players in the league.

In particular, wide receiver Justin Jefferson has emerged as one of the premier offensive talents in the NFL, and the success of his college teammates has been equally impressive. Players such as Ja’Marr Chase, Patrick Queen, and Derrick Stingley Jr. continue to dominate, earning massive contracts and proving that LSU’s 2019 championship squad produced elite talent that is taking the NFL by storm. Their continued success is a testament to LSU’s ability to develop top-tier football players, and they are now cashing in on their talent as some of the most sought-after players in the league.

In this article, we will dive into the ongoing success of Justin Jefferson and his LSU teammates, examining their impact on the NFL, how they are continuing to secure massive contracts, and how they are solidifying their places as some of the league’s biggest stars.

The 2019 LSU Tigers: Setting the Stage for NFL Stardom

The 2019 LSU Tigers football team was nothing short of historic. Under head coach Ed Orgeron, LSU not only won the National Championship but also set numerous records along the way. The team’s offense was led by quarterback Joe Burrow, whose Heisman Trophy-winning season became legendary for its statistical achievements and clutch performances. But the offense was more than just Burrow. It featured a plethora of talent at every position, including one of the best receiving corps in college football history.

Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Terrace Marshall Jr. made up a receiving trio that was unstoppable. Jefferson, in particular, was a breakout star, posting 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns, and earning unanimous All-American honors. His ability to make difficult catches look easy, paired with his exceptional route-running and speed, made him a prime prospect for the NFL. Ja’Marr Chase, who opted out of the 2020 season, also showcased elite skills, having been a dominant force in the 2019 campaign with 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns.

The defensive side of the ball was no less impressive. Players like linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Derrick Stingley Jr. were game-changers, showcasing a combination of physicality, speed, and football IQ that made them elite prospects in the NFL draft.

By the end of the season, LSU’s dominance was undeniable. They were not only crowned national champions, but they had produced a roster full of future NFL stars, a trend that would continue for years to come. These players, many of whom were top NFL draft picks, would go on to change the landscape of the NFL and solidify LSU’s place as a breeding ground for elite football talent.

Justin Jefferson: From LSU Star to NFL Superstar

One of the most prominent success stories from LSU’s 2019 roster is wide receiver Justin Jefferson. After an impressive college career, Jefferson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 22nd overall pick. His rookie season was a statement. In just 14 games, Jefferson caught 88 passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. His performance set multiple rookie records, including the most receiving yards by a rookie in NFL history, breaking Randy Moss’s long-standing record.

Jefferson’s blend of speed, route-running, and hands made him an immediate standout in the NFL, and he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers. In his second year, he further cemented his legacy, posting another 1,600-yard season and continuing to make highlight-reel catches.

As the years went on, it was clear that Jefferson was one of the most dominant wide receivers in the NFL. His consistency, work ethic, and ability to take over games made him an invaluable asset to the Vikings’ offense. By 2023, Jefferson was not only considered one of the top receivers in the league, but also one of the top players overall, regardless of position.

In the 2023 offseason, the Minnesota Vikings rewarded him for his extraordinary play with a record-breaking contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in NFL history. The deal reflected not just his current production but also his potential for even greater success. As a result, Jefferson has solidified his place among the elite in the NFL, proving that LSU’s development system produces not only talented athletes but future legends.

Ja’Marr Chase: A Dangerous Weapon in the NFL

Ja’Marr Chase, Jefferson’s former LSU teammate, also made waves in the NFL shortly after being drafted. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chase was expected to make an immediate impact, and he did not disappoint. In his rookie season, Chase set the NFL on fire, finishing with 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. His deep-threat ability and connection with quarterback Joe Burrow quickly became one of the most potent duos in the NFL.

Chase’s game is defined by his explosive speed, exceptional ball skills, and ability to make plays in key moments. He is a threat at every level of the field, capable of turning short passes into long touchdowns. During his first two seasons, he established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league, and it was clear that he was a key factor in the Bengals’ rise as a Super Bowl contender.

By the time free agency rolled around, Chase’s performance on the field made it inevitable that he would be rewarded with a massive contract extension. His market value skyrocketed, and the Bengals, recognizing his ability to take over games, quickly locked him down with a deal that would keep him in Cincinnati for the long haul.

Ja’Marr Chase’s continued success on the field, and his ability to produce in the big moments, cements his place among the NFL’s elite and proves that LSU’s championship-winning team had not one, but two future Hall of Fame wide receivers.

Derrick Stingley Jr.: A Cornerback Who Shuts Down the League

Derrick Stingley Jr. was one of the most highly anticipated players from LSU’s 2019 championship roster, not just for his ability to play cornerback but for his rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ. After an impressive freshman season in which he was already one of the top defensive backs in college football, Stingley entered the 2022 NFL Draft as a top-three pick. The Houston Texans selected him third overall, and he immediately became a cornerstone of their defense.

Stingley’s transition to the NFL was swift. In his rookie season, he showcased the ability to lock down top receivers, using his anticipation and physicality to excel in coverage. His shutdown abilities were particularly apparent in critical moments, where he routinely made plays that changed the momentum of games.

In the 2023 free agency period, the Texans recognized Stingley’s potential as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, and they rewarded him with a massive contract extension. This deal reflected not just his current level of play but his potential to continue improving and become one of the most dominant defensive backs in the NFL. Stingley’s rise to stardom further highlights LSU’s ability to develop elite defensive talent, and his contract extension solidifies his position among the NFL’s top players.

Patrick Queen: A Defensive Star Who Continues to Shine

Linebacker Patrick Queen, who was another key player on LSU’s 2019 defense, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Queen’s ability to read offenses, his quickness, and his leadership made him a key contributor to the Ravens’ defense from the start. In his first few years in the league, Queen became known for his playmaking ability, particularly in pass coverage and his ability to make tackles in space.

The Ravens quickly recognized Queen’s value as one of the best young linebackers in the NFL, and in the 2023 offseason, they rewarded him with a long-term extension that reflects his continued growth and dominance on the field. His ability to make plays both in the box and in coverage has made him one of the league’s most versatile linebackers, and his contract speaks to the high regard in which he is held.

Queen’s success further reinforces the fact that LSU’s 2019 National Championship team produced not just offensive stars but defensive playmakers as well, with his rise continuing the legacy of LSU players making an impact at the highest level.

The LSU Legacy: Producing NFL Stars Year After Year

The continued success of Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Derrick Stingley Jr., and Patrick Queen is just the latest example of LSU’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. The Tigers have consistently been a pipeline for top-tier football players, and the 2019 team stands out as one of the most talented groups in recent memory.

These players, alongside others like Joe Burrow and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, have proven that LSU’s football program is a force to be reckoned with, both in college football and in the NFL. Their ability to transition from the college game to the professional ranks with such ease is a testament to LSU’s coaching, development, and emphasis on preparing players for the next level.

As Jefferson and his college teammates continue to secure massive contracts and establish themselves as stars in the NFL, their success will only continue to elevate LSU’s football program. The legacy of the 2019 LSU Tigers will forever be remembered not only for their championship victory but for the continued excellence of their players in the NFL, further solidifying LSU’s place among the premier football programs in the country.