Shawn Jefferson facts for kids

Shawn Jefferson is a well-known American football coach and a former player. He was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for many years. Today, he helps train players as the wide receivers coach for the New York Jets. He has also coached for several other NFL teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions.

Shawn Jefferson's College Football Journey

Shawn Jefferson played college football at the University of Central Florida. This is where he started to show his skills on the field before joining the professional leagues.

Shawn Jefferson's NFL Playing Career

Shawn Jefferson was chosen by the Houston Oilers in the 1991 NFL Draft. This was a big step for him into the world of professional football.

During his playing career, Shawn Jefferson played in 195 regular season games. He also played in 12 important postseason games, including two Super Bowls! He played in Super Bowl XXIX and Super Bowl XXXI.

He was a very successful wide receiver. By the end of his playing days, he had caught the ball 470 times for a total of 7,023 yards. He also scored 29 touchdowns, which are exciting plays where a player carries the ball into the opponent's end zone.

Shawn Jefferson's Coaching Career

After a great career as a player, Shawn Jefferson decided to become a coach. He wanted to help other players improve their skills.

Coaching the Detroit Lions

Shawn Jefferson started his coaching journey with the Detroit Lions in 2006. He began as an offensive assistant. The next year, in 2007, he was promoted to be the wide receivers coach. He stayed with the Lions in this role until 2012.

Coaching the Tennessee Titans

In 2013, Shawn Jefferson moved to the Tennessee Titans. He continued to work as their wide receivers coach, helping the team's pass-catchers get better.

Coaching the Miami Dolphins

On January 12, 2016, Shawn Jefferson joined the Miami Dolphins. He worked there as the wide receivers coach under head coach Adam Gase.

Coaching the New York Jets

In 2019, Shawn Jefferson followed Coach Gase to the New York Jets. There, he took on a bigger role as both the assistant head coach and the wide receivers coach. He returned to the Jets in 2024 as their wide receivers coach.

Coaching the Arizona Cardinals

On January 19, 2021, Shawn Jefferson was hired by the Arizona Cardinals. He became their wide receivers coach. In May 2022, he received another promotion, becoming the associate head coach for the Cardinals.

Coaching the Carolina Panthers

In February 2023, the Carolina Panthers hired Shawn Jefferson. He worked as their wide receivers coach for that season.

Shawn Jefferson's Family Life

Shawn Jefferson has a son named Van Jefferson. Just like his dad, Van Jefferson is also a wide receiver in the NFL. He plays for the Tennessee Titans and played college football at Ole Miss and Florida.