Anthony Edwards confidently grips a football in his right hand, taking aim at a basketball hoop about 20 feet away. With a swift step forward, he releases an effortless spiral, certain it will land perfectly in the net.
“I don’t just be talking,” he shouts moments before the ball swishes through. “I DON’T JUST BE MOTHERF—ING TALKING.”
Justin Jefferson chuckles, dribbling a basketball back towards Edwards. Dressed in a black No. 5 Timberwolves jersey and sweatpants, Jefferson remarks, “Damn, I got to make it,” while Edwards continues the playful trash talk. The atmosphere is vibrant with music and excited onlookers capturing the moment on their phones, but Jefferson and Edwards remain intensely focused on their game.
The two sports stars are engaged in a game of PIG inside a large Minneapolis warehouse a week before the NFL season starts and more than a month ahead of the NBA season. They’re there for an interview and photo shoot, aiming to recreate a famous image that Minnesota sports fans remember fondly: in 2000, basketball legend Kevin Garnett and football icon Randy Moss donned each other’s jerseys for a magazine shoot. Now, two charismatic young athletes are set on establishing their own legacy in the Twin Cities.
The playful competition continues even after their photo shoot officially concludes, as Edwards and Jefferson exchange baskets and banter. Edwards, who showcased his football talent in Georgia, boasts that he can score more often with a football than Jefferson can with jump shots. Clad in black Wolves shorts and a purple Vikings jersey that looks a bit small, Edwards is currently in the lead. When Jefferson sinks a jump shot, he turns to Edwards with a triumphant grin.
Their interaction goes beyond just a friendly game; it’s a testament to their friendship forged through similar journeys. Both were drafted to Minnesota in 2020—Jefferson at No. 22 overall by the Vikings, and Edwards first overall by the Timberwolves—without knowledge of what to expect in the Twin Cities apart from the frigid winters.
“I just want to bring a championship to Minnesota,” Jefferson expresses. “The people are too good here. The fan base is too good. It’s been a long time coming.”
Edwards echoes that sentiment: “If I can, I’m trying to be here for my whole career.”
The competitive spirit continues, with Edwards ultimately winning their game of PIG, though they abandoned keeping score a while back.
Since being drafted, fans have eagerly anticipated when Edwards and Jefferson would recreate the famous photo of Garnett and Moss. Edwards playfully imitates fans asking, “‘When y’all gonna do that?’”
Edwards arrives at the shoot later than planned, having engaged in a vengeful match of Madden NFL 25 against former NFL MVP Cam Newton, whom he recently lost to.
“He practices until he’s ready to play you again,” said Edwards’ trainer, Justin Holland. “And you probably won’t win.”
Edwards takes gaming seriously, sometimes causing even his most enthusiastic gaming friends to hesitate before challenging him. After decisively winning against Newton in a recent match, he finally joins Jefferson, ready to take part in the photo shoot and interview.
During the interview, Jefferson sits comfortably as Edwards takes a side chair facing him. Nearby, a 24-by-24 photo of Garnett and Moss from their iconic shoot serves as inspiration for their recreation.
Like Garnett and Moss, both stars played the other’s sport in their youth. Jefferson thrived on the basketball court growing up, mentored by his father and older brothers. Edwards initially focused on football, only shifting to basketball as his brother showcased talent in the sport.
When asked if he could have made it in the NFL, Edwards confidently responds, “Yeah, fasho,” only to admit that a broken ankle in eighth grade forced him to abandon football.
Jefferson bursts into laughter at Edwards’ persistence. Edwards believes he could still play at a professional level if he had pursued football.
“I’d be like Kam Chancellor,” he insists, referring to the four-time Pro Bowler. However, Jefferson humorously asserts that once Edwards experiences a big hit, he would reconsider.
Edwards boasts that many current NBA players could make the transition to football. Jefferson acknowledges the athleticism but points out that once faced with the physicality of football, many basketball players might shy away.
The playful rivalry extends as they discuss how they each excel in their respective sports. Edwards shares that he captured the attention of fans while still trying to find his footing as a rookie. With a coaching change and guidance focused on his strengths, he eventually exploded onto the scene by scoring 42 points in a single game, establishing himself as a rising star.
As they bond over their experiences adjusting to life in Minneapolis, Edwards and Jefferson reflect on the impact of their predecessors, acknowledging Garnett and Moss as foundational figures for Minnesota sports. The two share aspirations to leave their own mark, hoping that future generations will look up to them and yearn to create moments of their own.
As the interview wraps up and they shift to lighter moments playing Uno, their chemistry shines through in their banter, showcasing the camaraderie that defines their friendship. Even in playful competition, there’s a mutual respect and determination to elevate each other’s legacy.
In the end, Edwards and Jefferson express a commitment to their futures in Minneapolis, looking to bring enthusiasm, style, and success to their respective sports franchises. “Everywhere I go I want to leave an impact,” Jefferson shares, ensuring that their legacies will be intertwined, just as those of Garnett and Moss remain cherished.