Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has raised more than $45,000 for cancer research through a charity bowling event, while giving a young fan undergoing treatment an experience she is unlikely to forget. The NFL star and his JJets Foundation hosted the inaugural “Strike Out Cancer” fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS), bringing together cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and Vikings teammates. According to announcements published by the Minnesota Vikings on October 6 and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) on October 9, 2026, Jefferson also surprised seven-year-old Claire Van Epps, who has been undergoing treatment for Ewing sarcoma, with two tickets to Super Bowl LXI.The event raised funds for cancer research and support services while giving 25 cancer patients, survivors and caregivers an opportunity to meet Jefferson and spend time with the football star. The evening included bowling, games and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, including signed helmets, game-worn cleats and a Randy Moss jersey.Jefferson was joined by his older brother, Jordan, and Vikings teammates Aaron Jones Sr., Andrew DePaola and Johnny Hekker. The gathering also marked an important step for the JJets Foundation, whose work Jefferson described as a family effort shaped by personal experiences with cancer.
Seven-year-old fan receives Super Bowl surprise
Among the guests was Claire Van Epps, a young Vikings supporter whose cancer journey has been marked by remission and relapse. According to the team’s report, Claire was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in 2023. She initially entered remission but experienced a relapse shortly before Christmas in 2025. Claire is currently undergoing oral chemotherapy. Despite the challenges of treatment, the Vikings described her as a cheerful child who loves watching the team and was thrilled to meet her favourite player in person.Jefferson spent time talking with Claire, encouraging her and posing for photographs. The wide receiver said he had seen pictures of the young fan wearing his jersey while undergoing cancer treatment and found it inspiring that she looked up to him. The evening became even more memorable when Claire’s family won a football autographed by Jefferson through a raffle. The player then called her to the front of the room and presented her with oversized tickets to Super Bowl LXI, scheduled for February 2027.The surprise prompted cheers from the crowd, while Claire and her parents reacted with excitement. The tickets offered the young fan an opportunity to watch one of American football’s biggest events alongside her family. The gesture was part of a wider effort to connect with people whose lives have been affected by cancer. For Jefferson, the event was an opportunity to listen to their experiences, recognise their challenges and use his public profile to draw attention to the disease.
More than $45,000 raised for cancer research
The NFLPA named Jefferson its Week 5 Community MVP on October 9 in recognition of the fundraiser and his broader charitable work. The organisation confirmed that the bowling event raised more than $45,000 for the American Cancer Society to support cancer research. The ACS works to advance cancer research, improve patient outcomes, advocate for people affected by the disease and help patients access care. Angie Rolle, the organisation’s senior vice-president for partner engagement, told the Vikings that money raised through the event would support research breakthroughs, improved treatments and efforts to make care more affordable. Jefferson has also taken on the role of an American Cancer Society ambassador, helping raise awareness about cancer and the experiences of patients and survivors.The fundraiser included a silent auction featuring an LSU helmet, a Vikings helmet and Jefferson’s signed game-worn cleats. A signed Randy Moss jersey was among the other items available to bidders. The NFLPA also announced a $10,000 donation to the JJets Foundation following Jefferson’s selection as Community MVP. The award recognises NFL players who make significant contributions to their communities away from the field.
A wider commitment to community work
Since joining the Vikings in 2020, Jefferson has supported several community initiatives in Minnesota and his home state of Louisiana. According to the NFLPA, the JJets Foundation has reached more than 1,500 children through programmes that include youth football camps, school laptop donations and holiday initiatives.Jefferson has also supported young cancer patients. In September 2026, he surprised two children from Children’s Minnesota, Ada and Arthur, with personalised shoes inspired by his own Crucial Catch cleats. Ada had been treated for Wilms cancer and was declared in remission in July 2024, while Arthur had been diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and experienced substantial vision loss during treatment.The shoes were customised to reflect the children’s experiences, including Arthur’s name written in Braille. Jefferson also spent time with them at the Vikings’ training facility, where they received team merchandise and watched practice.The initiatives coincide with the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign, which promotes cancer awareness and encourages early detection. Jefferson’s role as an ACS ambassador has added another dimension to his community outreach, allowing him to connect with families dealing with the disease.For Claire and her family, the bowling night offered a moment of celebration amid an ongoing medical journey. For the JJets Foundation, the fundraiser marked the beginning of an initiative aimed at raising money, supporting patients and creating opportunities for families affected by cancer.The event’s $45,000-plus contribution will support the American Cancer Society’s work, while Jefferson’s Super Bowl ticket surprise gave one young fan something special to look forward to as she continues treatment.