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NFL star Justin Jefferson caught playing Fortnite courtside at the NBA Finals

During the NBA Finals, NFL star Justin Jefferson was seen playing Fortnite courtside, sparking social media buzz. Jefferson's passion for the game is well-known, even featuring a Fortnite skin based on him. This moment highlights Fortnite's enduring popularity, with millions of daily users and its cultural impact extending to professional athletes.
NFL star Justin Jefferson caught playing Fortnite courtside at the NBA Finals
Image via Epic Games
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.Also Read: Roblox dethrones Fortnite with ‘Grow a Garden’ hitting historic player peak
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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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