TD catch in front of his father – the Jets WR coach – a ‘blessing’ for Steelers WR Van Jefferson

His touchdown last week meant the world to Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Van Jefferson. And not just because it was his first in almost two years.

Jefferson’s father, Shawn, serves as wide receivers coach for the New York Jets, the team that fell 37-15 to the Steelers last Sunday in part because of Jefferson’s 4-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter.

“It was cool, especially having my dad on the side,” Jefferson said after Friday’s practice at UMPC Rooney Sports Complex. “It was cool to get into the end zone and celebrate with my teammates. That’s an awesome feeling. And any time I can go up against my dad and be on the same field as him is just a blessing. I’m so grateful for it.”

Wilson goes to Van Jefferson for another @Steelers TD!

????: #NYJvsPIT on NBC/Peacock
????: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/St3LA07Eql

— NFL (@NFL) October 21, 2024

Jefferson’s touchdown was his first for the Steelers, with whom he signed a one-year deal in March. His most recent NFL touchdown came Dec. 8, 2022, against the Las Vegas Raiders while playing for the Los Angeles Rams.

That was two teams ago for Jefferson, who for the Steelers is serving as the WR2 in regards to snaps played — even if his production (10 receptions, 77 yards in seven games) has been sparse.

“Super happy,” WR1 George Pickens said of the team’s reaction to Jefferson scoring, “because he does a lot of the dirty work on the offense — blocking, stiff like that. And then his dad coaches for the Jets, so it was a full-circle moment for him.”

Steelers coach Arthur Smith said Jefferson should have handed the ball to his father, a former NFL wide receiver. Jefferson said he tried to find Shawn in those frenzied moments after the score but could not locate him quickly.

“(Dad) said he would have paid my fine,” Jefferson said of the league rule for removing a ball from play, “so I was like, ‘OK, cool!’ ”

Jefferson said despite the relative lack of catches he feels a significant part of the offense. His season high for yards is 26, and he’s not had a single catch longer than 12 yards. Jefferson ranks third among the team’s wide receivers behind Pickens and Calvin Austin III in catches and receiving yards.

“Van runs great routes,” Pickens said. “That’s the first thing I noticed about Van, so he can do a lot for us in the passing game for sure.”