In a rather unexpected crossover between the worlds of professional sports and gaming, NFL superstar Justin Jefferson was seen playing Fortnite courtside during the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
While fans eagerly watched Game 6 unfold at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers secured a 108-91 victory to keep the series alive, Jefferson - a four-time Pro Bowler and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, was spotted with his eyes glued to a Fortnite session. The moment reportedly occurred during warm-ups, but that didn’t stop it from setting social media ablaze.
Jefferson’s passion for Fortnite is well documented. In fact, the game introduced a skin based on him, along with his signature “Griddy” dance, back in 2021. As one of the NFL’s biggest stars since entering the league in 2020, his presence in the Fortnite universe has only grown, blending digital fame with athletic dominance. This past season, the wideout tallied 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, adding another stellar chapter to an already impressive career.
Fans react to Justin Jefferson’s courtside gaming moment
While some fans found Jefferson’s gaming moment humorous and relatable, others weren’t so kind.
One Twitter user joked, “Fortnite mobile at courtside is crazy,” while another wrote, “Bro lockin’ in - now this is game prep.”
An old tweet from 2021 also resurfaced in light of Jefferson’s courtside gaming, where he was humorously called out for skipping a media interview to play in a Fortnite match. Though not widely discussed at the time, the moment adds to a growing list of lighthearted instances that show just how committed Jefferson is to the game - both on the field and in the virtual world.
Jefferson’s courtside gaming moment also reinforces the lasting appeal of Fortnite, especially in 2025. Despite newer titles entering the scene, Fortnite continues to dominate with over 60 million daily active users and a whopping 650 million registered players globally.
Major events, collaborations, and ever-evolving gameplay have kept it relevant across age groups and professions - even among elite athletes. The game remains a powerhouse on streaming platforms too, boasting 12 million weekly viewer hours on Twitch earlier this year.
From music festivals and movie crossovers to NFL stars casually logging in courtside, Fortnite has proven itself more than just a battle royale - it’s a cultural phenomenon. And with Justin Jefferson leading his own digital charge, it’s safe to say the game’s reach is only growing stronger.
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