Sam Darnold made a strong impression in his first home game for the Minnesota Vikings with a 97-yard touchdown pass to star receiver Justin Jefferson.
In the second quarter, with the ball on the 3-yard line, Darnold dropped back into his own end zone, saw Jefferson racing down the field between San Francisco safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odum, and threw a deep pass.
The ball traveled 55 yards in the air before Jefferson caught it just past midfield. He ran towards the 49ers sideline, then made a quick change of direction at the 32-yard line.
Vikings teammate Jalen Nailor ran up and positioned himself in front of the defenders, helping Jefferson reach the end zone for a 10-0 lead.
This play was the second-longest in Vikings history. The record is held by Gus Frerotte, who threw a 99-yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian in 2008 against the Chicago Bears.
Darnold, who played for the 49ers last season, joined the Vikings this year. He became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to start for four different teams, according to CBS. Darnold was the third overall pick in the 2018 draft by the New York Jets.
