Van Jefferson is a professional NFL wide receiver currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He earlier excelled with the Los Angeles Rams, especially contributing to their Super Bowl LVI victory. Drafted in 2020, Jefferson quickly established himself with impressive stats, including a standout 2021 season with 802 yards and six touchdowns. His path in football is greatly influenced by his father’s legacy in the sport. Uncovering more about his impactful career and personal life reveals intriguing insights into this athlete’s success.
Early Life
Vanchii Lashawn Jefferson Jr. had a remarkable early life marked by athletic talent and academic achievement. He attended Ravenwood High School, where he had an outstanding senior year, recording 67 catches for 1,223 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. His exceptional performance on the field earned him All-State honors from the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.
Jefferson’s talent was further recognized when he was selected to participate in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl, allowing him to display his skills on a national stage. Following high school, he pursued college football at both the University of Florida and the University of Mississippi, where he accumulated a total of 2,159 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, continuing to build on his impressive athletic career.
Family Life
Van Jefferson hails from a football-centric family, being the son of former NFL wide receiver Shawn Jefferson.
Growing up under the guidance of his father, who played 13 seasons in the league and has extensive coaching experience, Van benefitted from valuable mentorship that shaped his skills and understanding of the game.
The Jefferson family’s deep-rooted connection to football has played a vital role in Van’s aspirations and path in the sport, with Shawns influence being a driving force behind his professional pursuit.
Career
Van Jefferson was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the alternate round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Over four seasons with the Rams, he established himself as a reliable wide receiver, amassing 101 receptions for 1,499 yards and 10 touchdowns.
His standout year came in 2021 when he recorded 50 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns, playing an essential role in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship run.
In October 2023, he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, and in March 2024, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During the 2024 season, Jefferson played all 17 games for the Steelers, contributing with 24 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns, including his initial touchdown with the team against the New York Jets.
In March 2025, he joined the Tennessee Titans.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Van Jefferson’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million, primarily derived from his NFL contracts and endorsements.
Throughout his career, he has drawn notable salaries, including $5.1 million from his four-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams, which featured a signing bonus of $1.4 million.
His contracts with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans add to his earnings, with exact figures for those contracts being undisclosed but typically higher for veteran players.
Jefferson also benefits from endorsement deals, leveraging his status as a professional athlete to improve his financial standing.