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| Last College:
B.A. History, Arizona State, 1989
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| Position:
Wide Receiver
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| Experience:
ASU, 1974-77
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| Halls of Fame:
2002 College Football and 1979 Arizona State
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2002 Inductee, College Football Hall of Fame
1979 Inductee, Arizona State Hall of Fame
Known as arguably the greatest pass-catcher in the history of the Arizone State program, John Jefferson rewrote the university, Western Athletic Conference and NCAA record books in his four-year career (1974-77).
Jefferson's breakout year occurred in 1975 when he led the Sun Devils with 52 receptions and 921 yards receiving on the way to a perfect 12-0 season and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl, where he was named Most Valuable Player. ASU finished second in the national polls, its highest ranking in history.
A consensus All-America selection in 1977 and two-time All-Western Athletic Conference pick, Jefferson concluded his career with an NCAA record 42 consecutive games with a reception. He remains the ASU career leader in career receptions with 188 and career receiving yardage with 2,993. Recognized as Arizona Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1977, he was twice selected as the Sun Devils Most Valuable Player and led the team in receiving all four years.
Following graduation, Jefferson was selected fourth overall in the first round of the 1978 National Football League draft by the San Diego Chargers.
He played parts of eight NFL seasons with the Chargers, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, being named to the Pro Bowl four times. After retiring, Jefferson became an assistant coach at the University of Kansas before becoming director of player development for the Washington Redskins.
John Jefferson's Career Arizona State Statistics
Year Rec. Yards TDs
1974 30 423 1
1975 52 921 6
1976 48 681 5
1977 58 968 8
Totals 188 2,993 20
