Frequent flyer: Justin Jefferson embraces international spotlight as Vikings return to London

LONDON — He played soccer with Vinícius Júnior in Brazil and walked the runway with pal Joe Burrow in Paris. “Just to play in a whole different country, around a whole new fan base, around people that don’t get to see you play — it’s very cool,” Jefferson said at the team’s hotel in Watford, England. “Justin Jefferson is a great example of the type of young athlete in the NFL that we would like to make a face of the NFL internationally and especially in the U.K. and obviously with the Vikings being active here, that makes sense,” said Henry Hodgson, general manager of the NFL’s UK office. “Wherever, it will be a different vibe and a different culture just being in a different country.” Jefferson, the NFL’s co-leader in TD receptions entering Week 5, made a great first impression in the U.K. two years ago when the Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints 28-25. “Obviously, it helps that he’s a big character, a fantastic player on the field and someone that fans, regardless of what team you support, he’s one of those players in the NFL that people look out for because he’s an exciting player to watch.” ___ AP Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell contributed from Eagan, Minnesota.