KJ Jefferson reveals his mother's impact on him on and off the field

On3’s Andy Staples was live on the scene at this year’s SEC Football Media Days. The college football expert caught up with a handful of individuals, bringing them in as guests for the Andy Staples On3 Podcast, including Arkansas Razorbacks starting quarterback KJ Jefferson.

While the two discussed several serious topics, such as what went into Jefferson’s decision to return to Arkansas instead of declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, they also discussed his mother’s impact on him on and off the field. According to the Razorbacks signal caller, his mother plays a huge role in his on-the-field life as well.

“Oh, she actually handled it pretty well. I mean, she stayed in my ear, saying it’s football; it’s gonna happen. Just being able to make sure you’re doing each and everything you can do to get back. Make sure you’re getting in the training room,” said Jefferson when asked how his mother handled his injury.

His mother played a big role in his recovery from his injury last season, being his voice of reason. Jefferson missed two games last year, dealing with a shoulder injury. But she has been so much more for her son while he’s on the field, too. Jefferson said she could be heard yelling out plays and delivering messages to him during games. And that has been a surreal experience for him.

“It’s pretty surreal that I can actually hear her, or she’ll walk down to the sideline and say something to me. So it’s really surreal. But it’s also, I feel, like it’s a gift.”

Jefferson on decision to return to Arkansas

As mentioned above, Jefferson also revealed why he came back and how difficult the decision was for him to return to the program for one more season instead of trying his hand and declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.

“It was really easy for me,” said Jefferson. “Just knowing that I wanted to come back because I didn’t play in a couple of games due to injury. And also, last year’s draft was a quarterback-heavy draft. So, being able to come back and give myself a chance. “

Jefferson put up big numbers in the Razorbacks’ offense for the second straight season. In 2021, he ended that season with a 164.7 passer rating, completing 67.3 percent of his passing attempts for 2676 yards, 21 touchdowns through the air, six on the ground, and just four interceptions.

Last year, he took his game a step further, finishing the season by completing 68 percent of his passes for 2636 yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 640 yards with nine rushing touchdowns.