WATCH: NFL referee turns on jets, outruns 49ers safeties on Justin Jefferson's touchdown

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson's 97-yard touchdown reception in the Vikings' 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers was the longest scoring play of Week 2 through Sunday. Yet he might not even be the biggest star of his explosive play.

Following Sunday's game, sportswriter Rodger Sherman posted to the social media site X that he noticed back judge Tyree Walton, a member of the officiating crew in Sunday's Vikings-49ers contest, out-ran two 49ers safeties to the end zone.

When Jefferson broke away from the 49ers' defenders downfield, Walton had to show off his speed. After making sure the receiver hauled in the pass, the official raced with Jefferson, Ji'Ayir Brown, and George Odum to the end zone to set himself in the right position for a potential tackle at the goal line.

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NFL Referee races Justin Jefferson to end zone

Jefferson may have gotten six points for his efforts, but Walton deserves at least an honorable mention for keeping up the pace.

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Tyree Walton has a background as an athlete

A 2021 profile of Walton by U.S. Bank – his other current employer, according to his LinkedIn profile – states that he earned a scholarship to play running back at Division II school Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, out of high school. When his college career was over, he transitioned from player to official and rose up the ranks before eventually reaching the NFL last year.

Sunday's game was Walton's 18th game as an NFL official. He has been a back judge in all 18 of those games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Referee in 49ers-Vikings shows speed during Justin Jefferson touchdown