A run-heavy era of football, the 2000s still produced some of the greatest receivers in NFL history. These are my top 10 best wide receivers from the 2000s decade.
10. Andre Johnson, HOU
Johnson was as steady as they come at the wide receiver position – the big-bodied, strong-handed Miami product became a target monster in Houston. While he had some injury issues, Johnson posted two 1,500-yard seasons in the 2000s and went on to become a seven-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer.
9. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
Fitz was an electrifying wideout who loved to make big plays in big moments – for example, his sensational catch-and-run for a go-ahead score against Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII. The 11-time Pro Bowler gained over 17,000 receiving yards for his career and is only this low on the list due to injuries and a lot of his production coming in the 2010s.
8. Reggie Wayne, IND
Wayne had the benefit of Peyton Manning throwing him passes, but he was a special talent in his own right. The reliable Wayne produced 1,000-yard seasons every year from 2004 to 2010 and made six Pro Bowls.
7. Isaac Bruce, STL/SF
Bruce was the ultimate possession receiver – great hands, great yards-after-catch ability. He used those attributes to become one of the NFL’s most productive pass-catchers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, making four Pro Bowls and the NFL Hall of Fame.
6. Chad Ochocinco, CIN
The enigma that was Ochocinco gave defensive backs fits with his unstoppable route-running and outrageous antics. He made six Pro Bowls and was the engine of an excellent Cincinnati passing attack in the mid-to-late 2000s.
5. Hines Ward, PIT
Ward was perfect for the AFC North – a great route runner with sticky hands who also happened to be tough as nails. He racked up over 10,000 yards and won two Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 2000s alone, including a Super Bowl MVP performance in 2006.
4. Marvin Harrison, IND
Peyton’s top target in the early 2000s, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more consistent wideout from 2000 to 2006 than Harrison. The Colt made eight Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl in 2007, and is now an NFL Hall of Famer.
3. Torry Holt, STL/JAX
The game-breaking Holt enjoyed a long and productive career, and from 2000-2003, he had an argument to be the NFL’s top receiver. He racked up over 12,000 receiving yards in just the 2000s decade, more than anyone else. Arguably the best WR ever not to make the Hall of Fame, Holt made seven Pro Bowls and is on the NFL Hall of Fame’s All-2000s team.
2. Terrell Owens, SF/PHI/DAL/BUF
Owens may have dealt with some personal issues during his career – the reason he played for four teams in the 2000s – but certainly did not have performance issues. He was still a 1,000-yard WR at age 35! The guy made the All-Pro team five times and is a Hall of Famer.
1. Randy Moss, MIN/OAK/NE
Nobody could guard Moss in Minnesota, and his New England explosion as Tom Brady’s top target was jaw-dropping – his 23-TD 2007 season is a WR record to this day. Moss’ game spoke for itself – his physical dominance was unmatched, and no stats need to be provided to explain why he’s the best receiver of the 2000s.
